Trade and Industry Secretary
Ramon M. Lopez
Go Lokal!, an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recently rolled out its newest collections done in collaboration with local crafters and designers.
The project was launched in 2017 with the objective of helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) penetrate the lucrative consumer market. “It’s difficult for MSMEs to enter the mainstream market (malls), as they have to pay a listing fee of P2-P3 million, or rent space (which is beyond their means). But with Go Lokal!, in cooperation with many of the retailers here in the country, DTI does its share in helping MSMEs gain free access to the mainstream market,” shares Trade and Industry Secretary
Ramon M. Lopez.
Go Lokal! offers an amazing opportunity to MSMEs, bringing local goods and linking entrepreneurs direct to consumers through a wider platform such as pop-up fairs, as well as longterm partnerships with government agencies and retail hubs. Recently, DTI was proud to share that Go Lokal!’s exclusive line of
handmade souvenirs is now available at the DTI Store and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, in addition to the more than 50 Go Lokal! stores across the country.
For this season, Go Lokal! introduced its latest collection, which was done in collaboration with 16 crafters and designers from the Common Room, a known arts and crafts collective in Quezon City, and Team Manila. Inspired by the unique humor and wit of the Pinoy, the souvenir line includes fishball plush toys by Pop Junk Love, embroidered travelers’ patches by Fandom Feels, Philippine landmarks tattoos by Tattooic, Manila Traffic Survivor button pins by Ella Lama, and accessories with Philippine garden flowers by Life After Breakfast.
Not your typical souvenirs, these pieces are eye-catching and creative, and undoubtedly Pinoy.
In another partnership, Go Lokal! teamed up with Team Manila, a graphic design studio, for special edition t-shirts, which speak of the country’s weaving heritage. Titled Habi Hiraya (Weave Vision), the collection pays homage to the indigenous Filipino tribes by featuring a combination of intricately woven patterns from the Bagobo and Tinguian tribes, and leaf motifs called Uwes. Translated in Memphis design style with a modern Team Manila twist, a play of these elements was used to create a dynamic
souvenir collection.
Go Lokal! products are available at Kultura Makati, Rustan’s Makati, Robinson’s Place in Malate, Glorietta 2 of Ayala Malls, City Malls nationwide, Duty Free Philippines Fiesta Mall, and Enchanted Kingdom. Go Lokal! is also available online at: http://golokal.marketa.ph/and https://www.shopinas.com/go-lokal and website at golokal.dti.gov.ph