Creative local workmanship and delicacies thrive
THE second OBRA MIMAROPA Trade Show was a lively celebration of local workmanship and delicacies, lasting from October 2 to 5, 2025, at the Glorietta Activity Center, generating ₱13 million in sales and commitments.
The annual trade expo, with the theme “Marami pa sa MIMAROPA,” brought together more than 120 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. It also had booths from national and local government agencies, which brought in thousands of people from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The Department of Trade and Industry–MIMAROPA hosted this year’s event, which had more attendees than the 2024 event, indicating that more people are interested in MIMAROPA’s local products and industries that are beneficial for the region. environment.
The trade fair wasn’t simply for selling things; it was also a place to learn and meet new people. Daily “Info Talks” addressed useful topics including digital payments, packaging trends, supply chain logistics, coconut innovations, and export opportunities.
Celebrity chef Rosebud Benitez entertained the audience with a live cooking presentation that used coconut-based ingredients from MSMEs in Palawan and Marinduque.
The third day focused entirely on the arts. The event features workshops in ceramic pottery, photography, advertising, and dance, and Jay Lin Ramos from Raya Fiber was a guest on DTI MIMAROPA’s Buhay Isla Podcast, where he advised MSMEs to look for export markets. A demo of blending coconut drinks showed even more how abundant the region’s agriculture is.
DTI MIMAROPA gave out several awards at the closing ceremony. For the second year in a row, Sea Warrior’s Furniture from Romblon won the Overall Top Seller Award.
On the other hand, the City Government of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro won the Best Bayanihan Exhibit Award for showing a modern and new picture of the province’s trade and commerce center.
Meanwhile, Buhay Isla from Marinduque received the Most Innovative Product Award for its tuba drinks that come in unusual flavors like uraro and tablea. The Melvin Upcycled Sea Litter Handicraft from Marinduque obtained the Most Creative Product Award for its eco-friendly art.
Furthermore, the Negosyo Center of Marinduque State University was awarded an award for making the Best Reel, which showed off Buhay Isla’s products and fit this year’s theme.
OBRA MIMAROPA succeeded by working closely with the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. – MIMAROPA, the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, the Provincial Government of Marinduque, the City Government of Calapan, the Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA, the Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA, the Department of Science and Technology – MIMAROPA, the Department of Information and Communications Technology – MIMAROPA, the Department of Migrant Workers – MIMAROPA, and GCASH.
Every year, OBRA MIMAROPA takes place in Metro Manila and has become the best place for entrepreneurs, artists, and government partners in the region to meet. It is more than simply a trade fair; it is a dynamic platform for promoting local products, giving MSMEs more power, and making MIMAROPA’s economy more visible on a bigger stage, showcasing the region’s innovation, strength, and limitless potential.
