16 June 2025, Seoul – Honorable Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inaugurated the DTI SME Showroom on 14 May 2025, in a strategic move to advance Filipino products and businesses into the global market. During the event, Secretary Aldeguer-Roque was joined by Philippine Ambassador to Korea, H.E. Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, DOT Assistant Secretary Judilyn S. Quiachon, PTIC-Seoul Commercial Counsellor Charmaine Mignon Yalong, and PDOT-Korea Tourism Attaché Erwin F. Balane. Korean partners and business leaders were also present to witness the inaugural event.

Driven by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a globally competitive and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas, this monumental effort establishes a vital platform for showcasing export-ready products and fostering international business partnerships for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In her speech, DTI Secretary Aldeguer-Roque said that “This launch is a concrete step towards bringing Filipino products and small and medium enterprises closer to the global market. It is a message to the world that the Philippines is ready, our enterprises are capable, and our products deserve a place on the global stage.” 

“By providing this physical presence overseas, we break through geographical barriers for our SMEs and build the trust that international buyers seek. We are making it easier for the world to do business with the Philippines—one city, one showroom, one export deal at a time,” she added.

The newly launched showroom features a carefully curated and rotating selection of high-quality, export-ready products from across the Philippines. This initiative highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and capability of Filipino entrepreneurs, with products ranging from handmade textiles and crafts to innovative food products and beverages.

Secretary Aldeguer-Roque expressed her appreciation to the DTI-Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul for spearheading the project, Philippine Department of Tourism in Korea and the Philippine Embassy in Seoul for providing showroom space and logistical support, respectively.

“This synergistic collaboration is a true representation of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to more effectively and efficiently promote the Philippines as a business and tourist destination of choice,” she emphasized. 

The public is invited to explore the DTI SME Showroom located at the PDOT-Korea Office at President Hotel, 16 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul and experience firsthand the excellence, reliability, and heart that go into every Filipino product. END