Discover the Finest Coconut and Chocolate Creations at DTI’s Coco-Choco Fest in SM City Mindpro

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 09 July 2026 – A delightful celebration of local flavors has arrived at SM City Mindpro as the Coco-Choco Fest officially opens at the Ground Floor Event Center from July 7 to 13, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region IX.

Bringing together the region's finest coconut and cacao producers, the week-long trade fair shines the spotlight on the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the region’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The event provides a vibrant platform where homegrown businesses can showcase premium products while connecting with a wider market.

Visitors can indulge in an exciting selection of locally made favorites—from rich, authentic tablea and handcrafted chocolates to refreshing coconut-based beverages, delectable pastries, delicacies, and innovative food products that celebrate the abundance of the Zamboanga Peninsula's coconut and cacao industries.

More than a shopping event, the Coco-Choco Fest reflects SM City Mindpro's continuing commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening communities by providing meaningful opportunities for business growth and market exposure. Through its partnership with DTI Region IX, SM continues to champion Filipino craftsmanship and support enterprises that contribute to the region's economic development.

Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, craving a sweet indulgence, or looking to experience the best of local craftsmanship, the Coco-Choco Fest offers a maxed-out experience filled with delicious discoveries and meaningful connections with local entrepreneurs.

Celebrate the exceptional flavors of coconut and chocolate—All For You, only at your most-loved SM City Mindpro!

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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You. 

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

SM, DTI Region 9 Strengthens MSME Resilience Through Business Continuity Plan Training

In a strategic move to enhance the resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), SM City Mindpro and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9 conducted a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Training-Workshop today, July 15, at the Ever-O Business Hotel.

 

The short program gathered nearly 60 participants composed of SM tenants and DTI-assisted MSMEs. The training is part of a broader nationwide initiative under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DTI and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., which aims to train 6,000 MSMEs from 2024 to 2027 on business continuity planning.

 

SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez warmly welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of the workshop in today’s dynamic business environment. “This training aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of BCPs, their components, and how you can implement them effectively in your own operations,” Villa-Enriquez said. “Today’s training will equip you with the necessary tools, knowledge, and strategies to help your businesses thrive even in challenging times.”

 

Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae, Regional Director of DTI Region 9, underscored the value of the partnership between SM and DTI. “Business Continuity Planning is more than just a document—it’s a commitment to staying prepared, protecting your people, and ensuring your business can bounce back from any disruption,” said Engr. Lipae. “This partnership with SM Prime reflects our shared vision of building a resilient MSME sector. I encourage all our MSMEs to take this opportunity seriously. What you learn today could be the key to your business’s survival and growth.”

 

Mr. Mark F. Infante served as the Resource Speaker during the workshop, providing valuable insights and practical strategies on how businesses can develop, implement, and sustain continuity plans tailored to their unique operations.

 

The SM-DTI Business Continuity Plan Training-Workshop is a proactive initiative designed to help entrepreneurs anticipate risks and establish effective recovery strategies in the face of natural disasters, economic shifts, or other unforeseen disruptions. Through this program, SM and DTI aim to cultivate a culture of preparedness and sustainability within the MSME sector.

 

The collaboration exemplifies both institutions’ commitment to empowering local businesses and supporting long-term economic resilience in the region and across the country. (PR)