On 16 October 2026, the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) attended the opening ceremony of Metro Fiesta 2026: “Prime Finds. Bold Flavors. Local Heart.” at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – National Capital Regional Office (DTI-NCRO), the three-day trade fair ran until 18 October, featuring 40 entrepreneurs from across Metro Manila and showcasing the diversity and creativity of local enterprises.
During the opening ceremony, CFBCI President Gerald Uy Chan delivered a message of support, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and advancing the growth and development of Filipino businesses. Director Jimmy Ang also attended the ceremony.
Having partnered with the DTI in organizing previous editions of Metro Fiesta, CFBCI continues to support initiatives that provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand their market reach, strengthen their brand presence, and connect with a broader customer base.
This year’s theme, “Prime Finds. Bold Flavors. Local Heart,” celebrates the ingenuity, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the National Capital Region. In his message, President Chan emphasized CFBCI’s longstanding commitment to supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for them to grow and innovate.
“At CFBCI, we have always taken pride in our local businesses and pursued projects that empower them to grow, innovate, and transform their enterprises,” President Chan said.
The importance of supporting MSMEs is reflected in their significant contribution to the Philippine economy. Accounting for 99.63 percent of registered business establishments nationwide, MSMEs serve as a vital source of livelihood and economic activity. They generate 66.58 percent of total employment, contribute 36 percent of the country’s gross value added, and account for 25 percent of total exports.
These figures underscore the importance of initiatives such as Metro Fiesta, which provide entrepreneurs with valuable opportunities to showcase their products, gain market exposure, learn from consumer feedback, and establish meaningful connections with fellow business owners and potential customers. By creating a platform for local enterprises to reach wider audiences, the trade fair helps strengthen their competitiveness and supports the continued development of the country’s business sector.
The opening ceremony was also graced by distinguished guests, including DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, along with representatives from the government and business sectors, whose participation underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing local entrepreneurship.
CFBCI remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote Filipino-made products, encourage business innovation, and create opportunities for local enterprises to thrive. Through its continued partnership with government agencies and the private sector, the organization seeks to contribute to a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient Philippine economy, where local entrepreneurs are empowered to succeed and help drive national progress.
