The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions reopen its HallONE as a permanent showroom for best Philippine export products, a venue for industry meetings and events and a sourcing venue for local and foreign buyers.

“The thought of having permanent exhibition halls for Philippine exports has hit me when I joined government and started to visit different countries. I realized that Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, have very big exhibition halls. I said that one day the Philippines should also revive the concept of an exhibition hall for its world class products,” said Cristino Panlilio, DTI undersecretary.

As envisioned and constructed 25 years ago along with five other product halls, HallONE keeps on its original objective of serving as a permanent display area for the country’s exports. In reviving this abandoned and neglected hall, it will not just be a passive showroom but an actively engaged business center.

It will also offer year-round services like business matching and appointment scheduling, shipping, factory visits, export order-taking and shipping assistance, controlled and retail selling design clinics, seminars and workshops.

The revived HallONE is designed by international renowned Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda.

Panlilio said that the hall will be leased for two straight months to the different exporter associations of sectors like garments, housewares, furniture, jewelries and electronics.

“The idea is for them to get their invited domestic and foreign buyer. I also commit that I will use the Foreign Trade Service Corps and the Philippine Embassies abroad to advertise what are exhibited in these halls during those two months,” he said.

For its first two-months of operation, HallONE will showcase furniture and home decors. It will also be a fashion gallery of the country’s tropical wear. Also, it will display the iconic masterpieces of outstanding Philippine designers.