Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) is extending its support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) across the country through Bayanihang Metro Caravan, a continuation of its partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Following the previous Bayanihang Metro x Go Lokal! initiative, DTI and MRSGI are again joining hands to celebrate the Philippines’ regional festivals by making local products even more accessible for tourists and shoppers who are joining the festivities and encouraging them to support and patronize local products from MSMEs.
Through the Bayanihang Metro Caravan joint project with DTI, Metro aims to further advance its efforts of pushing local products from MSMEs to the mainstream public. Metro will be equipping entrepreneurs with space and kiosks in select Metro stores in various areas across Luzon and Visayas to showcase and promote high-quality home-grown products for a duration of one month during town fiestas.
MRSGI President and COO Manuel Alberto said that the ongoing partnership with DTI has helped shift consumers’ focus toward sustainable means of shopping and has raised awareness of the importance of supporting local products and entrepreneurs.
“MRSGI has always believed that both buyers and sellers can help positively impact environmental and social concerns. It has consistently strived to present opportunities toward viable and worthwhile businesses, especially where domestic products are concerned. We are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs, especially in communities where we do business,” Alberto said.
Starting in April, MSMEs are invited to participate in the Bayanihang Metro Caravan in the Super Metro Lapu-Lapu store in conjunction with the festivities of Kadaugan sa Mactan in Cebu. Home-grown products such as calamansi juice, cacao, coffee, bamboo-made accessories, handicrafts, and souvenir items from the region are also featured in the store.
Photo shows Super Metro Lapu-Lapu’s kiosks for participating MSMEs
Among the MSMEs that will be showcased during the Caravan in April are LemonCito, JN CACAO, Tuburan Coffee, Wodd PH, Yssa’s Handicrafts, and Metro’s house brands Gasa and Tropical.
“This tie-up with DTI is an ideal vehicle for micro-entrepreneurs to enter the larger market of consumers across the country. Not only will domestic products be given the boost needed and deserved, but the partnership also expands the array of products MRSGI offers,” Alberto added.
MRSGI will also roll out the Bayanihang Metro Caravan in various Metro Retail Store locations during significant local festivals in succeeding months such as Mantawi Festival, Pasayahan sa Lucena, Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, Pasig City Day, Ibalong Festival, Karansa Festival, Peñafrancia Fiesta, MassKara Festival, Binaybayon Festival, and Sinulog Festival.
