Thousands of Filipino workers and local businesses are getting additional income opportunities from the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN meetings, with orders ranging from transportation services and traditional garments to locally made chocolates and handcrafted products.

The increased demand for goods and services for foreign delegates is benefiting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while giving local entrepreneurs a chance to introduce their products to an international market.

Lino Romero, president and CEO of JM Travel and Tours, said providing transportation services for ASEAN activities could lead to more clients as companies and organizations become familiar with their operations.

“Magkakaroon yan ng domino effect. I-refer kami ng mga iyan sa mga kilala, sa mga kaibigan. So magkakaroon iyan ng schedule. At the end, malaking benefit po sa amin,” Romero said.

The demand for traditional Filipino garments has also provided additional work for embroiderers and garment workers in Lumban, Laguna, known as the country’s Embroidery Capital.

Local designer Franz Kenneth Averion said the ASEAN hosting has created more employment opportunities for the town’s artisans.

Among those who benefited is embroiderer Jema Garcia, who was selected to work on barongs ordered for the presidents of Myanmar and Türkiye.

“Syempre po, proud ako kasi magbuburda na nga po sa Pangulo kasi kay BBM. Kami po ang nagburda. Bukod sa hindi basta-bastang tao ang magsusuot, syempre po may kita. May extra kita kami,” Garcia said.

Vicky De Ramos, owner of Burdahand Haven Centre, expressed hope that the international exposure would help expand the Philippine barong industry.

Patrick Rosas, director of Fashion Aid Philippines Inc., said the ASEAN gathering provides an opportunity to showcase Filipino fashion and craftsmanship to foreign delegates.

“This is the best time to showcase the Philippines to the world. This is an amazing opportunity for every Filipino participating in this event because this will open the doors,” Rosas said.

In Calamba City, Laguna, homegrown chocolate producer Auro Chocolate is preparing locally made chocolates using single-origin cacao sourced from Davao for delegates attending the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on November 16 to 18.

Company co-founder and managing director Mark Ocampo said the gathering would help introduce Philippine cacao and chocolate to a wider market.

“This is really important to us because we want Philippine cacao and chocolate to be recognized not only by ASEAN delegates but also by people around the world,” Ocampo said.

Production worker Mark Francis Gonzales also expressed pride in being part of a local brand that would be introduced to international delegates.

In Iloilo, craftsman Arnel “Nonoy” Vallejo of Banwa Pens has also gained international exposure after his company was commissioned to produce the official handcrafted ballpoint pens used by Southeast Asian leaders during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu last May.

Vallejo said the achievement reflected the work of the people behind his business, not just his efforts as a craftsman.

“It’s our work, it’s Banwa’s work. Not my work, not your work, it’s our work,” he said.IMT