SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Various products and craft proudly produced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Zambales took centerstage at the Zambales MSME Week Fair 2026 that opened on Wednesday, July 8, at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here.

The items displayed at the mall’s Activity Center and Promenade Area showcased specialty products culled from top-of-the-line entrepreneurs and exhibitors across the province.

The homegrown products ranged from foodstuffs like candy and chips, fruit jam and wine, to bags, soap, stone craft, and decors.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry office in Zambales (DTI-Zambales) as part of the celebration of the National MSME Development Week 2026, the fair aims to strengthen the MSME sector by linking them to a wider market, and provide a venue for local enterprises to showcase their products.

DTI Provincial Director Enrique D. Tacbad, who opened the MSME Fair, stressed that the event underscored the government’s thrust to empower MSMEs in their role as partners in boosting local economic growth.

The theme, “Navigating the Shift: Building Resilient and Future-Ready MSMEs,” reflected the shared commitment of government agencies, partners, and MSME stakeholders in building resilient and future-ready enterprises, he added.

Several speakers also gave their statements of support during the opening of the fair. These included Shela Mae Abella, marketing assistant of Harbor Point Ayala Mall; Atty. Von F. Rodriguez, SBMA Chief of Staff; Ricardo Chua of the MSMED Council–Olongapo; and Evelyn Grace of the MSMED Council–Zambales.

In the same ceremony, DTI officials recognized six participants of the 2026 Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program Batch 1 from Zambales, who recently completed the mentorship program.

The five-day MSME Week Fair will run until July 12, giving ample time for the public to sample the wide variety of products made in Zambales. ▲

PHOTOS: DTI-Zambales