 |
| SM Christmas Market, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City (Image Source: Getaway Philippines) |
On November 17, 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Hon. Sec. Ramon Lopez and SM Supermalls, the largest shopping mall chain in the Philippines, officially launched the SM Christmas Market inside SM Megamall which aims to provide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a platform to showcase and eventually sell their products throughout the holiday season. During the launch, Secretary Lopez emphasized the importance of MSMEs in revitalizing the nation's economy amidst the ongoing threat of the pandemic and the swift recovery of small businesses.
"The importance of our MSMEs cannot be understated, they account for more than 99 percent of the total number of establishments in the country as well as 62.4% of total employment. Because of this, they serve as our country's economic backbone even when they were also the most affected by the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic," Lopez said. He added, "We call on all Filipinos to patronize local products and services and support our MSMEs not only at the SM Christmas Market but also throughout the country. As we reopen our economy, let us create a 'better normal' this Christmas season by rebuilding our country one purchase at a time."
Under the banner of DTI's "Buy Local, Go Lokal" nationwide advocacy campaign which aims to engage both the public and private sectors to support local businesses and entrepreneurs by buying local products and services, the SM Christmas Market will support local MSMEs to help businesses hurdle economic challenges. Nominated by DTI provincial offices across the country, participating MSMEs are allowed to sell their goods without worrying about mall charges all throughout the bazaar which will run until the first week of January 2021 in all 74 SM Supermalls nationwide. Retail partners from Go Lokal! are also tapped to participate in the SM Christmas Market as well. The homegrown products made by local MSMEs and being showcased at the bazaar ranges from hand-painted and hand-crafted home accessories to cosmetics and skincare essentials.
