DUTY FREE Philippines Corp. (DFP) is set to open the first local high-end store of Go Lokal called Marahuyo before the end of the year in the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

In a statement on Friday, the state-led agency said Marahuyo will be a 50-square meter (sq.m.) concept store that will feature local high-end brands. This will be located within the Duty Free Luxe in the complex and cater mostly to foreign and Filipino travelers abd overseas Filipino workers.

The initial batch of suppliers went through product testing by the Department of Trade and Industry to make sure all products meet its quality standards, but more brands can still be added.

The brands include Aranaz (handbags), Earl Carlo Gariando Enterprises (clutch bags made of bass), Quiddity (handcrafted leather bags), Helena Alegre Jewelry (scriptural and fabricated Jewelry), and Joanique (fashion accessories), Maria Angelica Rare Finds (antique accessories), Arnel Papa (fashion jewelry), Mele + Marie (handbags), Adante Leyesa (fashion accessories), Joyce Makitalo (fashion jewelry), and Ann Ong (fashion jewelry).

“The rich cultural diversity of the Philippines is expressed in these crafts which differentiate us other destinations elsewhere in the world. When customers buy our local brands, we are not just exporting a product, but more importantly, we are exporting our culture,” DFP Chief Operating Officer Vicente Pelagio A. Angala said in a statement.

“Our challenge is for us getting our products in the market for wider consumer, that is why we are thankful to Duty Free Philippines for giving us a venue so we can help and provide more jobs to local communities,” one of the suppliers said in a statement. — VMPG

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