(In photo: MR. D.I.Y. Philippines representative Ms. Rosemarie Jaspe engages in a business matching session with Cebu-based MSME delegate, Ms. Jomaima Basmayor, discussing locally crafted products such as wooden utensils, handwoven baskets, and fashion accessories.)
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently connected 16 Cebu-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, a leading home improvement retailer, during a business-to-business (B2B) market matching session in Cebu City.
The session was a collaboration between the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL), DTI Cebu, MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, and Cebu GTH Foundation Inc., and with the primary goal to provide local MSMEs with market exposure and business-matching opportunities with international buyers.
The Cebu-based MSMEs seeking supplier partnerships with MR. D.I.Y. presented products across various categories, including household and furnishings, stationery and sports, toys and gifts, fashion accessories, and cosmetics. This provided participating MSMEs with a platform to showcase their products, craftsmanship, and market potential to MR. D.I.Y representatives. Each MSME had the opportunity to directly engage with the company representatives, discuss business requirements, and explore potential collaborations.
MR. D.I.Y. was represented by Ms. Faith Thong, Senior Purchasing Manager of MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, along with Ms. Katherine Dumindin and Ms. Rosemarie Jaspe of MR. D.I.Y. Philippines. The team evaluated each product based on quality, pricing, sustainability, and overall marketability. Product samples were reviewed to allow firsthand assessment of unique features.
Following the session, participating MSMEs submitted detailed proposals outlining their manufacturing capabilities, product innovations, and potential adjustments to meet MR. D.I.Y.’s market needs.
Expressing optimisim about the oppprunity, Ms. Jomaima Basmayor, Proprietor of Dierde Export Trading, one of the participating entrepreneurs, said, “If this partnership pushes through, we will no longer struggle to find buyers and market our products elsewhere.”
“However, our primary challenge now is producing bulk quantities to meet the demand. Since the orders are in large volumes for distribution across multiple branches, this presents a challenge,” she added.
While Cebu is home to many well-crafted and unique products, DTI Cebu OIC-Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar said that the agency recognizes that scaling up production to meet international demand remains a challenge for many entrepreneurs.
“That’s why DTI Cebu continues to assist MSMEs in enhancing their production capabilities, improving their competitiveness, and navigating the complexities of international trade,” she noted.
MR. D.I.Y. is also set to conduct additional B2B market matching sessions with local MSMEs in Davao, Bicol, and Bohol later this year.
