(From left) Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group of the Department of Trade and Industry; Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group; Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel; and George Clayton Narag, Head of Product Development of 2GO Travel.
2GO, the country’s leading sea travel provider, has entered into a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at boosting the development of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration seeks to help MSMEs access broader markets by offering cost-effective sea transport for trade activities and by introducing OTOP Nooks on board 2GO Travel passenger vessels.
Under the agreement, DTI-endorsed MSMEs participating in official trade fairs can take advantage of specially discounted sea travel rates. Entrepreneurs are also granted up to 50 kilograms of baggage allowance, making it easier to transport various products across destinations. In addition, OTOP Nooks will be established on all 2GO Travel passenger ships, serving as onboard retail spaces where MSME products under the OTOP Philippines Program can be displayed and sold. This initiative not only opens new sales channels for locally made goods but also allows travelers to discover and purchase Filipino products while on board.
DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for MSMEs, noting that “this initiative strengthens the presence of proudly Filipino products beyond their home regions and enables MSMEs to reach more consumers nationwide, with sea travel supporting their growth and mobility.”
2GO will offer special discounted rates for DTI-endorsed MSMEs joining official trade fairs, along with exclusive travel and cargo support to streamline their participation.
Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel, shared that “this collaboration allows both established and aspiring MSMEs to tap into our sea travel network, and we hope that they take advantage of their 50kg baggage allowance that comes with every 2GO Travel ticket. This actually means that starting and growing your own business has never been easier. Now, you can carry the trade you want to sell with you, bring your products directly to passengers across key routes, and strengthen your visibility while maximizing our onboard retail platform.”
The first OTOP partnership between DTI Region XII and 2GO Travel was launched onboard MV 2GO Masinag. With the signing of this nationwide MOA, the initiative now expands to cover all 2GO Travel passenger vessels, further connecting local entrepreneurs to a broader customer base.
For questions about travel deals exclusively available to MSMEs, you may reach out via [email protected].
For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.
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