16 local MSMEs partner with global retailer

CEBU, Philippines — Sixteen Cebu-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are gaining a foothold in the international market through a promising partnership with MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, one of Asia’s largest home improvement retailers.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL), facilitated a high-level business-to-business (B2B) market matching session recently linking 16 local MSMEs with MR. D.I.Y.’s representatives.

The initiative is part of DTI’s ongoing efforts to help local businesses expand their market reach by connecting them with global buyers.

According to DTI, by tapping into MR. D.I.Y.’s extensive retail network, Cebu entrepreneurs now have an opportunity to scale their operations and position their products on international shelves.

The B2B session, held in collaboration with Cebu GTH Foundation, Inc., showcased Cebuano products across various categories, including household and furnishings, stationery and sports, toys and gifts, fashion accessories, and cosmetics.

Entrepreneurs presented their offerings to MR. D.I.Y. representatives, engaging in direct discussions on business requirements, quality standards, and potential supplier agreements.

Faith Thong, Senior Purchasing Manager of MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, along with Katherine Dumindin and Rosemarie Jaspe of MR. D.I.Y. Philippines, assessed the products based on quality, pricing, sustainability, and marketability.

The company also reviewed product samples to identify items with strong potential for inclusion in its global retail network.

Following the session, MSMEs submitted detailed proposals outlining their manufacturing capabilities, product innovations, and adjustments needed to meet MR. D.I.Y.’s market requirements.

For many Cebuano entrepreneurs, securing a deal with an international retailer presents both an opportunity and a challenge—particularly in terms of production scalability.

“If this partnership pushes through, we will no longer struggle to find buyers and market our products elsewhere,” said Jomaima Basmayor, proprietor of Dierde Export Trading, one of the participating MSMEs.

“However, our primary challenge now is producing bulk quantities to meet demand. Since the orders are in large volumes for distribution across multiple branches, this presents a challenge,” she added.

Recognizing this hurdle, DTI Cebu continues to support MSMEs in strengthening their production capabilities and improving competitiveness in the global market.

DTI Cebu OIC-Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to scale up their businesses internationally.

“We are pleased to facilitate these business-matching opportunities that introduce our MSMEs to global buyers like MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia. While Cebu is home to many well-crafted and unique products, we recognize that scaling up production to meet international demand remains a challenge for many entrepreneurs,” Aguilar said.

“That’s why DTI Cebu continues to assist MSMEs in enhancing their production capabilities, improving their competitiveness, and navigating the complexities of international trade,” Aguilar explained.

This initiative marks a crucial step in bridging Cebu’s MSMEs with the global market, fostering economic growth, and promoting Cebu’s craftsmanship on an international scale. With MR. D.I.Y. planning additional market-matching sessions in Davao, Bicol, and Bohol later this year, more Filipino entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to bring their products to a broader audience.

According to Aguilar,  by leveraging partnerships with major international retailers, Cebuano MSMEs are poised to not only expand their businesses but also contribute to the Philippines' growing presence in the global trade landscape.