Manila: Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from this province will showcase new wearable designs, homewares, and other innovations at the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) in Manila on Oct. 23 to 29.

According to Philippines News Agency, the MSMEs, which have availed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique training, came up with new designs for their local products to be displayed at the NACF, as stated by Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Gevi Kristina Villafuerte in an interview.

Among the products are patadyong or handwoven fabric from Antique sewn into apparel like shoes, and bamboo products, such as trays and baskets. Francia Tongol, owner of one of the 18 MSMEs participating in the fair, said she prepared kimono-type blazers made of patadyong. She mentioned that the blazers will be comfortable to wear and expressed optimism about making significant sales due to the training she received from DTI, covering areas such as marketing, product design, and innovation, which helped enhance her products.

Tongol further shared that she initially made sandals and bags from patadyong but has now expanded to apparel and blazers. Another participant, Irele Mahimpit, will showcase new designs of her bamboo craft. She expressed excitement about joining the NACF and presenting her newly designed baskets and other homewares. The MSMEs are scheduled to leave for Manila on Wednesday.