Cebu Govt Launches ‘Exquisitely Filipino’ Trade Exhibit to Promote Local Products

The Cebu Provincial government, in partnership with SM City Cebu, and the Department of Trade and Industry launched on Friday “Exquisitely Filipino” trade exhibit aimed at introducing Cebu-made products to the delegates of the Asia Pacific Cooperation who are meeting in Cebu.

“I think we chose this occasion to launch ‘Exquisitely Filipino’ to dramatize the fact that in APEC we do work on integration and connectivity of economies, states and businesses,” Senior Officials’ Meeting Chair Laura del Rosario in her welcome remarks.

Del Rosario said art and religion has been part of daily lives of the Cebuanos and crafts featured in the exhibit manifest these distinct Cebuano culture.

“While art and religion played a role in the past, they now crossed over to the economic realm,” she said.

“These products are not merely a demonstration of the Filipino skill and artistry, it has become a source of living for some families, a realization of an artist’s dream to be recognized and the fruition of SMEs’ efforts to be part of the global market,” she noted.

Del Rosario also said the Aquino administration believes that to grow and to be meaningful, progress must be exclusive and this philosophy of exclusivity is imbedded in the APEC 2015 work program.

The exhibit also serves as an opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to participate in the regional and global markets, she added.

For his part, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said Cebu, which has been a trading hub in the Asia Pacific for the past 500 years, makes its location at the center of the Philippines an advantage for commerce.

Cebu-made products like handicrafts, fashion accessories, furnitures, and clothes are now being sold in Asia, Europe and in the Americas, and this is a source of pride for the Cebuanos, he said.

“With the opening of this ‘Exquisitely Filipino’ trade exhibit here at SM North Wing and at the Atrium, we once again have that perfect opportunity and distinct privilege to showcase the best that Cebu can offer,” Davide said.

“The provincial government is fully supportive of this trade exhibit. It will boost our tourism industry and our investments. Hopefully, this will promote the best of Cebu.”

Davide said he hopes the visiting delegates could choose from a variety of products that Cebu manufacturers and designers are offering and help spread the word when they return to their home countries.

He expressed his gratitude to SM City Cebu, DTI, APEC Philippines 2015 National Organizing Committee, and the exhibitors for their participation.

About 50 exhibitors, mostly members of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, take part in the Exquisitely Filipino exhibit, which will run until September 8. PND (as)