President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces Manila FAME 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on October 18, 2024. Screenshot from livestream on Marcos’ Facebook page.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is confident that Filipino enterprises, craftsmen, and artisans have a strong position in the global market.
He said this in his speech at the Manila FAME 2024 trade show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Friday.
READ: ‘Reconciliation’ afoot? Marcos happy to meet Leni Robredo in Sorsogon
“You can really see that Pinoys… Well, anyway, maybe because I’m Filipino, gawa ng Pinoy ‘yan (they’re made by Filipinos), you know, because there is always a touch of humor, there is a touch of charm, there’s always a touch of softness and gentleness,” he said, referring to the products in the exhibit.
“I’m so confident that we will do well in the world market,” he continued.
According to Marcos, the design industry contributes 7.1 to 7.2 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, which translates to millions of pesos.
“So, all of the reasons for us to do this and to do it properly are there for — for the government, for the country, for all of our practitioners. And we will do everything that we can so that the world will know even better how good Filipinos are. Iyong galing ng Pinoy makita ng buong mundo (The world will see Filipino excellence),” he said.
READ: Filipino art is world-class art
The Manila FAME 2024 trade show will run from October 17 to 19.
This year’s showcase features creations that highlight crafters’ skills in transforming the Philippines’ abundant raw materials into functional and visually captivating pieces.