Digital platform showcases PH imports available for resale by Fil-Am retailers

Melissa Nava, CEO and co-founder of 1Export, Weee Filipino general manager Ed Maguan, Filiflavors founder Bianca Trinidad-Lamb talk about the availability of Philippine products in the U.S. CONTRIBUTED

SAN FRANCISCO – A digital platform showcased products from the Philippines to encourage more Filipino American entrepreneurs and grocery outlets such as Weee Filipino and Filiflavors to find suitable goods to import and resell.

1Export, in cooperation with Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco and Dynamico Space, on May 16 launched “Kalocal,” a platform from which Fil-Ams can order export-ready Filipino products at wholesale prices.

The platform helps Filipinos in the U.S. start their own businesses by importing and reselling products directly from local producers and manufacturers offered at competitive prices.

To introduce the platform A hybrid “salu-salo” was organized in San Francisco, while participants from the Philippines and other U.S. States joined via ZOOM.

DTI Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte shared government programs supporting the continued growth of Philippine medium size enterprises and the development of innovative products and urged Filipinos abroad to use Kalocal to resell them.

Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer discussed the role of the Filipino American Diaspora in popularizing Philippine exports in U.S. communities.

Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Directo Marievic Bonoan explained the upcoming collaborations for GoLokal “goes global” program, and innovative products from the Philippines focused on sustainability.

Melissa Nava, CEO and Co-founder of 1Export works with Fil-Am entrepreneurs as advocates for Philippine products and works with fast growing online retail chains such as Weee Filipino to expand the presence of Philippine brands across all ethnicities.

JR Calanoc, CEO and Co-Founder of Dynamico Space explained programs to support Philippine Startups, including mentor feedback sessions that aim to expand the network of Philippine startups, Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs), and Philippine Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and accelerators.