Participants and speakers during the DTI-Laguna seminar on trade fair participation and consumer education held at Mercado De Calamba, Calamba City on June 18, 2025.

Calamba City — A seminar titled “How to Effectively Participate in Trade Fairs cum Consumer Education” was successfully conducted on 18 June 2025 at Mercado De Calamba, Calamba City. The capacity-building activity was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office through its Negosyo Centers in Rizal and Alaminos, in partnership with the Cooperatives & Livelihood Development Department (CLDD) of Calamba City.

The seminar aimed to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge for participating effectively in trade fairs, while also promoting responsible consumer practices. In her opening remarks, Ms. Angelica Fae Rodriguez, Cooperatives Development Specialist II, highlighted the dual significance of trade fairs—as valuable business platforms and as avenues for strengthening consumer awareness.

The program featured insightful lectures and interactive discussions on key topics such as strategic booth planning, product display techniques, customer engagement, and branding. Ms. Nicole Concejero, Negosyo Center Business Counselor (NCBC) from Rizal, shared practical tips on how entrepreneurs can stand out in competitive trade fair environments and maximize visibility. She emphasized the importance of creating a strong first impression and maintaining a consistent brand identity.

Participants and speakers during the DTI-Laguna seminar on trade fair participation and consumer education held at Mercado De Calamba, Calamba City on June 18, 2025.
Participants and speakers during the DTI-Laguna seminar on trade fair participation and consumer education held at Mercado De Calamba, Calamba City on June 18, 2025.
Participants and speakers during the DTI-Laguna seminar on trade fair participation and consumer education held at Mercado De Calamba, Calamba City on June 18, 2025.

Meanwhile, Ms. Marian Calongcalong, NCBC from Alaminos, focused on consumer education. Her session covered critical topics such as ethical selling, truthful advertising, proper labeling, and the importance of sustainability and transparency in business practices. These principles, she noted, are not only ethical imperatives but also vital for building consumer trust and long-term brand loyalty.

Participants actively engaged in the sessions, asking questions, sharing experiences, and exchanging insights. Many expressed appreciation for the seminar’s timely and relevant content, particularly as trade fair participation continues to be a key strategy for MSME market exposure and growth. Feedback gathered through evaluation forms reflected a high level of satisfaction, with participants requesting more training opportunities and follow-up support.

The seminar successfully met its objectives of enhancing participants’ readiness for trade fairs while reinforcing their understanding of responsible consumer engagement. DTI-Laguna and its partner offices are encouraged to continue offering learning and mentoring sessions to support MSMEs during actual trade fair participation—ensuring that these entrepreneurs are not only visible, but also credible and competitive in the marketplace. (MNCConcejero, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 14 July 2025