20 Proudly Pinoy Products Endorsed by Government
About 99 percent of the national economy is fuelled by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry says. Sadly, micro-entrepreneurs are at the bottom of the pyramid, according to DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. To equal the playing field between big and small businesses, DTI aims to empower SMEs through sustainable fairs such as “Art & Soul of the Filipino,” a month-long showcase of all things proudly Pinoy at Rustan’s; and the 5th Philippine Harvest at Central Square.
Highlighting Filipino Creativity and Ingenuity
“Art & Soul of the Filipino,” says Rustan’s President Donnie Tantoco, highlights Filipino creativity and ingenuity in design through a selection of accents, dinnerware and linens. The fair tries to make sense of Filipino heritage for today’s lifestyle. Tantoco notes, “The art and soul of the Filipinos are their best qualities. We express ourselves better than any nationality on a more spiritual and deeper level. It’s what makes us standout.”
Supporting Local Agripreneurs
Meanwhile, over 40 exhibitors will bring to the metro the richness and diversity of the country’s organic, artisanal, natural and indigenous agricultural products. "Agripreneurs" will get the chance to share the stories behind their products to consumers and potential investors. According to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, the conduct of agri-trade fairs and expositions like this “exemplifies commitment of support of the Department of Agriculture to Filipino agricultural entrepreneurs so they will continue to produce world class products that make use of the abundance of the country’s natural resources.”
People will discover more of the country’s rich agricultural produce, which include organic meat and vegetables, local chocolates and coffee, dried fish and fresh local fruits. Patronize and be inspired by these unique Filipino products recognized by the Agriculture department and the DTI.
Featured Filipino Products and Brands
Below is a selection of the proudly Pinoy products featured and endorsed by the government:
| Product / Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Auro Chocolate | A proudly Filipino, bean-to-bar company that produces the finest single-origin cocoa and chocolate products. |
| Balangay's Best | High quality, wild-caught and naturally processed sustainable seafood products made by Artisan Filipino Fishers. |
| Eat my Spuds | Uses local potatoes to produce chips with unique flavors. |
| Germano’s Chili | Roasted Chili Garlic Sauce in olive oil. |
| JA Less Farms | Produces baked organic oyster mushroom chicharon in peri-peri, garlic, and barbeque flavors; a healthy alternative to pork chicharon. |
| Mama Sita’s Champorado Kit | Made from a mixture of Heirloom Rice called Ominio and pure tablea. |
| Man on the Moon | A homemade, non-specialty, cold brew online shop for those who want their coffee black, strong and on-the-go. |
| Nanay Pacing Coco Jam and Peanut Butter | Homemade products from Baler, made from locally sourced ingredients. |
| Pamana Sinaing na Tulingan | Bottled sinaing na tulingan in three variants – plain, spicy, or cooked in coconut milk. |
| Traydor Hot Sauce | Named after history's infamous traitors, made of local ingredients. |
Local Crafts and Furnishings
In addition to food products, the fairs showcase unique local craftsmanship:
- Clothes and accessories made of local fabrics like Yakan and T'nalak.
- Capiz home furnishings featured at the department store’s Filipiniana Our Very Own department.
- Lick the Spoon – Innovative homegrown gourmet products.
