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Republic Act 9501 or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has set every second  week of July as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Week.

One of the highlights of this year’s MSME Development celebrations is the mounting of a Food Trade Fair, which will showcase food products sourced from Filipino MSMEs from all over the country. Billed as "EATS more fun in the Philippines", the trade fair will be held from July 12 to 15, 2012, at the Megatrade Halls 2 & 3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

At least 190 producers and manufacturers from all over the Philippines will be offering a variety of the finest fresh and processed food products. From northern Luzon, there will be vegetables and coffee from the province of Kalinga, honey and vinegar from Benguet, and bagnet and longanisa from the Ilocos provinces. MSMEs will bring organic and unpolished rice from Nueva Ecija, dessert food and other delicacies from Pampanga and Laguna, and malunggay food products from Batangas. Pinangat and pili products from Bicol, and fruit-flavored wines from Agusan del Sur will also be among the gastronomic delights on sale.

With the growing popularity of weekend markets in Metro Manila, the food business offers many opportunities for business-minded individuals to start up their own enterprise. At the same time, enterprising individuals from the regions can take advantage of the agricultural produce such as fruits and vegetables within their geographical areas to produce delicacies and other specialty foods that are much sought after by food loving Filipinos here and abroad.

Filipino MSMEs who are interested in participating in this food trade fair may get in touch with the Bureau of MSME Development (BMSMED) at telephone numbers: 7515059, 7515036 or the Bureau of Domestic Trade at telephone numbers: 7513227, 7513229.