DTI and SM Supermalls Strengthen Partnership to Help MSMEs Scale

“Apatnapu’t dalawa kaming kababaihan sa aming barangay na dati ay walang hanapbuhay. Sa tulong ng aming kooperatiba at ng DTI, nagkaroon kami ng pagkakataong kumita. Lalo na kapag nandito kami sa SM Supermalls—mas dumadami ang aming bulk orders.”

— Elsie Balidiong, Salngan Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Oton, Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines, 23th February 2026 - The 2026 DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair concluded at SM Megamall after five days of showcasing Filipino enterprise, creativity, and resilience—bringing together MSMEs, institutional buyers, and consumers in a highly accessible, high-engagement setting that turned commerce into a shared public experience.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista together with Embassy Officials and stakeholders mark the opening of the DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair 2026, highlighting how accessible platforms like SM Supermalls help bring national initiatives closer to the public (Right photo)

DTI Key Officials mark the opening of the National Trade Fair 2026, highlighting how accessible platforms like SM Supermalls help bring national initiatives closer to the public.

Held from February 18–22, 2026 at Megatrade Halls 1–3, the fair featured locally made food, fashion, home, and lifestyle products, business-matching opportunities, and curated exhibits highlighting sustainable production and elevated Filipino design. These on-ground activities supported the Bagong Pilipinas agenda by expanding market access, strengthening value chains, and creating pathways for MSMEs to scale.

SM executives (L-R) Mr. Royston Cabunag, AVP for SM Communities Program, Ms. Liza Silerio, VP for Corporate Compliance Group, Ms. Pats Dy, SAVP for SM Communities Marketing try on hand-embroidered, fashion-forward pieces by an indigenous artisan from Abra—bringing stories from the mountains to the heart of the city. Through DTI and SM, indigenous MSMEs gain wider market access, celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and inclusive growth in one shared space.

"It's rare to find a place where you can get the chance to buy the best of the Philippines, and it's good that it's in a very accessible location."

-Ezekiel Rosales and Michelle Milla - Trade Fair Customers (Left photo)

"Nakakatuwa po na naipapakita namin ang aming mga gawa sa ibang lugar. Kasabay po noon ay kumikita pa kami."

- Jezriff Anni - Zambulu Artworks (Right photo)

"Ang galing po kasi noon, doon lang kami sa bayan namin sa Aklan nakakapagbenta. Ngayon po, two years na kami nakakasali sa trade fairs and lumawak na po ang market namin. May mga orders na po kami galing sa ibang lugar."

-Jezethel Bandiola - Bandiola's Piña Weaving

(Left photo)

The staging of the National Trade Fair at SM Megamall highlighted how well-loved, high-traffic urban spaces can function as effective platforms for national programs—giving MSMEs the opportunity to reach new markets, test products in real time, and engage directly with partners and consumers.

“Our partnership with SM goes beyond providing space—it is about building a full ecosystem for MSMEs. Through SM Supermalls and its retail businesses like SM Department Store, SM Markets, and Kultura, MSMEs are given real market access, visibility, and opportunities to scale. This kind of private-sector commitment is exactly what enables Filipino entrepreneurs to grow, professionalize, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development,” said Cris Roque, Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry

By supporting nationally significant trade fairs, SM Supermalls broadens MSME reach through accessible, high-visibility locations, supports business growth through professional environments designed for market readiness, and contributes to nation-building by aligning its mall infrastructure with programs that generate livelihood and strengthen local industries.

The National Trade Fair fostered a powerful sense of shared purpose where commerce, culture, and community converged reinforcing the belief that economic growth is most meaningful when it is inclusive, experiential, and deeply connected to the people it serves.

As demonstrated by the 2026 DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, SM Supermalls continues to deliver on its commitment on Max Out Experiences, living out its promise of “All for You.” As your most loved mall, SM Supermalls transforms its spaces into dynamic platforms for entrepreneurship, cultural celebration, and meaningful public engagement going beyond retail to champion inclusive national growth and create experiences thoughtfully designed for every Filipino.

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About SM Supermalls – MSMEs

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 89 malls nationwide—continues to maximize the MSME experience by creating opportunities that are relevant, inclusive, and built around what Filipino entrepreneurs need most. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM champions entrepreneurship by supporting MSMEs across different stages and sectors—serving distinct business tribes through market access, visibility, mentorship, and platforms for sustainable growth. By connecting communities, showcasing homegrown talent, and enabling innovation, SM helps MSMEs grow in ways that are personal, purposeful, and impactful. To be part of this journey, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com.