Go Lokal x Manila Canvas Formally Opens at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
27 March 2023

Shopping locally has never been more relevant than it is today. As we all continue to navigate and recover from the impact of the pandemic, it is important that we show our support for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The Go Lokal program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to unlock new market segments of MSMEs as it formally launches the Go Lokal in-store selling area in Manila Canvas, strategically located at the historic walled city of Intramuros, a tourist destination that has been recognized, for the third time, as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2022 at the World Travel Awards in Asia and Oceania. Intramuros has received this honor in 2020 and 2016. The Go Lokal x Manila Canvas store had its grand opening today, March 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

The event was graced by officials from the DTI, Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration, and Maya, as well as the owners of Manila Canvas and representatives of MSMEs. In conjunction with the Go Lokal x Manila Canvas grand opening, DTI’s will also have a Bagsakan market until April 2 at the Flag Pole area of Fort Santiago. Bagsakan started last week in March 25. Thirty-one MSMEs from Regions 2, 3, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Bangsamoro, CAR, and NCR are now proudly showcasing their local food and non-food products.

The Go Lokal x Manila Canvas in-store selling area aims to promote Filipino products by providing customers with unique items from all over the country. With this new initiative, DTI hopes to strengthen the economy by helping local businesses reach out to more customers, including foreign and local tourists. The store currently carries the products of 12 Go Lokal MSMEs: Delfa’s Food Products, Mama Cili Enterprises, Sangkutsa Food Products, Dielle’s Apiary and Meadery, Inc., Cocolibre Corp., Marigold Commodities Corporation, Ginga Food Manufacturing, CANDC Plans and Woodcrafts, The Cattwrites Bag and Accessories, HIPH888 Merchandising, JVLR Prints, and Woven Handicrafts.

Go Lokal x Manila Canvas is located at Chamber 8 of Fort Santiago. The store is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other Go Lokal outlets are also found in selected malls, supermarkets, Duty-Free shops, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms such as LazMall and ShopeeMall.

Manila Canvas is owned and operated by CANDC Plants and Woodcrafts, one of the leading suppliers of plant and woodcraft souvenirs in the Philippines. Its services include customization of its products through laser etching and engraving services. Starting out as a souvenir shop, Manila Canvas added a cafe for its soft opening in December 2022. Through the partnership with Go Lokal, it has expanded its offering of homegrown brands from artisanal home decor and fashion accessories to local wine and snacks, bottled milkfish, Arabica brewed coffee, and sustainable arts and crafts.

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