Kalibo MSMEs Record ₱3.23 Million Sales and Booked Orders at Manila FAME 2026

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

Kalibo’s first participation in Manila FAME 2026 marked a significant milestone for its local enterprises, with eight micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) recording ₱2,051,440 in cash sales and ₱1,176,000 in booked orders, for a combined total of ₱3,227,440. The results demonstrate the market potential of Kalibo-made products and open opportunities for further business negotiations, partnerships, and market expansion.

Held on October 15–17, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Manila FAME provided a platform for LGU Kalibo to showcase local enterprises and their products and connect with potential buyers in domestic and international markets.

Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro lauded the eight MSMEs that represented Kalibo at Manila FAME 2026 were Aklan Fashion Designers Association, HAMPCO, Joeriez Gowns & Suits Shop, La Herminia Weaving Arts, Inc., Nami Aklan, Piña Seda, Primera Reycon’s Piña Cloth, and USWAG Arts and Crafts. Together, they showcased the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of Aklan through their locally made products.

Following the recommendation of the Kalibo Council on Haboe Piña, the initiative brought together the municipal government, participating MSMEs, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan, and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) as part of LGU Kalibo’s continuing efforts to strengthen local creative industries, promote Aklanon craftsmanship, and help homegrown enterprises expand beyond local markets.

Preparations spanned seven months and included coordination meetings, online seminars, consultations, site visits to participating MSMEs, product development activities, and prototype preparation. Through these activities, the enterprises received guidance to refine their products, explore new designs, and strengthen their readiness for national and international markets.

CITEM also facilitated a visit to Kalibo by international product development expert Emma Gutierrez, who worked with local MSMEs to develop products aligned with export-market standards. In addition, an online product development session was conducted with another expert, Patti Carpenter. These interventions helped local enterprises refine and enhance their product offerings in preparation for presenting them to buyers, trade professionals, and other industry stakeholders at Manila FAME.

The participation was part of LGU Kalibo’s continuing efforts, under the leadership of Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro, to promote local livelihoods, strengthen product development, and expand market access for Aklanon makers. Mayor Sucro was present during the opening of Manila FAME 2026 to show his support for the participating local enterprises to bring Aklanon products to a broader customer base.

Through this initiative, LGU Kalibo aims to improve the competitiveness of local enterprises and help their products gain wider recognition for their cultural value, quality, and creativity in national and international markets.

The best of Kalibo, woven with culture, crafted with pride.