DTI, Muntinlupa LGU unite to empower Pinoy MSMEs at Kultura Fest

Posted: February 27, 2025
An aerial view of Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair at Festival Mall, Alabang, featuring wooden booths adorned with banners from the DTI and Muntinlupa City Government. Various local products, including handicrafts, food, and fashion items, are displayed as shoppers explore the vibrant marketplace.

Muntinlupa City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Muntinlupa City government, holds Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair, which began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Festival Mall in Alabang. This event features an exposition of the exceptional craftsmanship of Filipino entrepreneurs.

From February 26 to March 2, 2025, spectators and attendees have the opportunity to experience the ingenuity and craftsmanship of 16 Filipino entrepreneurs, highlighting the Philippines’s diverse cultural heritage.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon smiles while talking to a local entrepreneur at Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair. Behind them, a booth displays various locally made products, including bags, snacks, and handcrafted items, highlighting the creativity of Filipino MSMEs.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon highlighted Kultura Fest’s role in fostering new market opportunities and product innovations. He encouraged visitors to explore Festival Mall-Alabang and immerse themselves in Muntinlupa’s dynamic culture, reaffirming the city’s commitment to leveraging initiatives like the DTI trade fairs to drive economic growth and create meaningful opportunities for stakeholders.

A vendor at Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair in Festival Mall, Alabang, assists customers browsing a selection of locally made food products, including bottled spreads, snacks, and packaged delicacies. The booth, labeled "Likha ng Central Luzon," highlights regional specialties from Filipino MSMEs.

Aligned with the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision and aligned DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s five-point agenda for the advancement of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the expo creates significant economic opportunities for MSMEs. It provides a premier platform to showcase their exceptional products, gain exposure to a wider market, and foster valuable business connections with a vast consumer base and potential business investors.

A jar of "Dielle" pure honey with a rustic jute-wrapped lid and wooden honey dipper is displayed at Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair. The locally sourced product represents the artisanal quality and sustainability efforts of Filipino MSMEs.
A stylish woven handbag with a pink floral embellishment and braided strap is featured at Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair. The bag, made from native materials, highlights Filipino craftsmanship and eco-friendly fashion.

Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona shared that the expo features an extensive selection of top-tier products —from delectable delicacies and artisanal creations to fashion and homeware—highlighting the best of Muntinlupa City and the Philippines.

“Kultura Fest paves the way for MSMEs to expand their reach, explore opportunities, and showcase their craftsmanship on a larger scale of market. More than just a trade fair, it also serves as a platform to celebrate the Philippine’s rich artistic cultural heritage.” Usec. Lantayona said.

Kultura Fest also provides invaluable learning and networking opportunities. It features engaging activities such as product showcases, workshops, and interactive forums designed to empower entrepreneurs and equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary for continued business success.

Moreover, experts from the industry, government agencies, and key sectors are present to provide insights and guidance on business development and marketing strategies ensuring that the Filipino MSMEs remain competitive and resilient.

Entrepreneurs, consumers, investors, and trade enthusiasts are all invited to be part of this event and witness firsthand the outstanding talents and world-class products that define the excellence of Pinoy entrepreneurs.

For more information and updates, please follow the official social media pages of DTI-Regional Operations Group and the Muntinlupa City Government or DTI at www.dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of Release: 27 February 2025