The five-day food fair at SM Megatrade Hall is not only a celebration of the country’s rich gastronomic heritage and a showcase of the bountiful produce each province has to offer. More importantly, it pays homage to the micro and small agricultural and food entrepreneurs who make up the country’s economic backbone.
By ANNE STEPHANIE NILO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to streamlining the country’s agricultural supply chain as he and First Lady Liza Marcos and their son Willliam Vincent Marcos opened the 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, which runs until April 13, at SM Megatrade Hall.
“This National Food Fair is more than a gastronomic celebration of our rich and diverse culinary heritage. It is a testament to the incredible talent, ingenuity, industry of our local farmers and artisans who bring pride and honor to our country,” Marcos said.
More than a showcase of flavors from every region, this food fair is a venue where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can sell their food products. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) estimates that MSMEs comprise 99.63 percent of business establishments in the country, and the 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair is part of a greater push to support these small market players that form the country’s economic backbone.
The President himself encouraged the public to buy local and love their own. “Marami na rin ang mga dayuhan na humahanga sa kakaibang sarap ng ating mga pagkain. Kaya sana tayo namang mga Pilipino mismo ay manguna sa pagkilala sa iba’t ibang putahe na gawa [at] lutong Pinoy,” he said. (Even foreigners are starting to love the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine. I hope we ourselves are the first to recognize and appreciate the diversity and richness of our food.)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visits the food booths at SM Megatrade Hall
Also part of the opening ceremonies was the launch of DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, the country’s largest B2B (business to business) e-commerce platform that aims to not only connect sellers of local produce with domestic and foreign buyers, but also attract foreign investment in our MSME sector.
Marcos recognized SM Investments vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson for being the government’s invaluable partner in giving these MSMEs a venue where they can promote their products.
The 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair at SM Megatrade Halls 1-3, Level 5, Mega B, SM Megamall is open until April 13. You may also visit the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace in https://dtimarketplace.gov.ph/
