The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) spearheaded the push for circularity at the recent Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition, where it hosted 34 enterprises that presented green goods and services within IFEX Philippines 2026. As the organizer, CITEM designed this specialized trade platform within the country's largest food trade show, delivering growth opportunities for sustainable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startup companies. 

By grounding these efforts in the principles of a circular economy—a model dedicated to eliminating waste from production and consumption systems—CITEM is turning environmental ambition into commercial success. The continuing focus on circularity is successfully propelling the SSX Exhibition, which ultimately yielded over half a million pesos in total retail sales. 

Farmwell Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, a dynamic micro enterprise specializing in the fabrication of multi-grain precision seeders, was the Exhibition’s top performer. Lastic (Philippines) Inc., a creator of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products, and FLQpoint Food and Panciteria, a sustainable producer of cassava-based goods, followed in rank with strong sales performances.

For CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, the outcomes reflected an evolved set of demands for success in global trade. “The SSX platform was launched to create opportunities for sustainability-oriented enterprises, rooted in our belief that circular and sustainable solutions are needed to achieve global competitiveness,” Ocampo explained. “We are committed to creating more opportunities for these principled enterprises, and CITEM will continue developing programs to advance the Philippines’ green agenda.” 

The SSX Exhibition showcased suppliers and solution providers in the agri-food, biotech, and circular economy spaces. These included Veronica Tabrilla Upcycling Textile Shop; Krigkrafts Enterprise; Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute; D’Sustainable Planet; Junk Knot; Thega Coconut Farm; Green Beauty and Wellness Center; East West Building Tech Inc.; Rezbin Waste Technology Inc.; Unimex Process and Energy Inc.; Kahero Apps Inc.; Ecouling; Buenavita Food Products; DOST-National Capital Region.; Bayanihan Lab Network; Oikos Sustainability Solutions Inc.; Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program; GNS Enterprises; DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute; KSL Bricks Manufacturing; Magwai; Philippine Trade Training Center; The Merry Cooks, Inc.; Aretei Food Corporation; Squeezed 4 U 168 Inc.; Wehlo Resilience Technology Corporation; Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability Inc.; DEMAF 3D Printing Hub; and Cultivate Systems Inc. 

The SSX Exhibition in IFEX Philippines 2026 ran from May 21 to 23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. 

SSX Seminars spotlight fresh perspectives on sustainability

Allowing a space for transformative solutions, CITEM also led the SSX Seminars in IFEX Talks, a series of discussions on strategies to achieve a sustainable future. 

“Bridging the Gap: Operationalizing ICUE in the Philippine Landscape” was led by Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association President Dr. Eing Ming Wu. The session introduced the Industry-City-University-Entrepreneurship (ICUE) model, which seeks to reconcile isolated green innovations with systemic sustainability. The session drew insights from Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI) President Jose Luis Yulo and Varacco Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Founder Ariestelo Asilo.

Small businesses were presented a roadmap to integrate climate-smart practices into their operations in “Empowering MSMEs in the Green Economy.” The discussion was led by Philippine Trade Training Center Production and Operations SBU Head Jezel Sunga.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Country Manager (Philippines) Vince De Paz  took charge of the session on “Green Loans and Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab,” a program empowering MSMEs to adopt credible sustainability reporting practices using GRI standards. This measure entails transforming complex environmental and social data into transparent disclosures that banks and investors require for green financing. 

Building on its momentum from IFEX Philippines 2026, CITEM will host a full-scale SSX Conference and Exhibition from October 15 to 17, 2026, at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). The event will run concurrently with the 74th Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, expanding the sustainability conversation by promoting circularity in the home, fashion and lifestyle sectors. Through technical discussions, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities, the program is designed to complement Manila FAME’s showcase of Philippine design, craftsmanship, and innovation. 

For more information on SSX 2026, visit sustainability.ph.

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Banner caption: Innovative offerings from green Filipino start-ups are on display at the Sustainability Solutions Exchange’s Start-up Pavilion.