Go Lokal! bags Most Innovative Idea Award at SPRints 2017 Huwarang DTI
By Monsi A. Serrano
The Go Lokal! team received the “Most Innovative Idea Award” at the SPRints 2017 Huwarang DTI on January 31, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
The SPRInts or “System for Performance, Rewards, and Incentives” is an annual search for top performing DTI executives and employees whose notable contributions led to the agency’s improved work conditions and services.
GO LOKAL! is a Filipino concept stores the promote the products created by micro, small and medium enterprises and the products are 100% Filipino. It was conceived by Department of Trade and Industry, under the tutelage of Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez who created a working team of Product Specialists from the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) to collaborate with MSMEs to develop one-of-a-kind and modern designs, dynamic packaging, assured quality, value for money, and consistent supply of the products.
Through GO LOKAL! all Filipino products that are innovative and high-quality Philippine developed by the country’s MSMEs and opportunity to go to the mainstream under the auspices of the free marketing platform provided by DTI’s retail partners enable the suppliers to gain access to the local market, and ultimately, the global market.
This posits innovation as our Filipino entrepreneurs are challenged to compete in the global market based on the global acceptable standards. Furthermore, this also paves way in encouraging the Filipino entrepreneurs to be more creative, enterprising and to think globally as they come up with new ideas or product innovations.
Ultimately, when market opportunities grow, this would create more job opportunities and thereby uplifts communities by sharing part of store sales to community-based projects.
The Go Lokal! is also in collaboration with selected retail partners for MSME incubation, marketing and branding and committed to provide equal opportunities for smaller players to gain access to the shelves of retail establishments without the usual listing fees. All products from Go Lokal! are sourced from small enterprises in the countrysides. To date, there are 332 Philippine MSMEs that are enrolled in the program and 85 Go Lokal Stores are now spread out all over the archipelago.
While the name could be a misnomer, the Go Lokal transcends the local market as it has also been helping in promoting the appreciation of Philippine traditions, patterns, colors and style that may be local to us but exotic to others in the global market.