Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines the data protection practices for FAME+, the digital platform of Manila FAME. It details how the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as the data controller, collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information in compliance with the Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) of the Philippines, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable data privacy laws.

Effective Date: as of 14 October 2025

Information We Collect

We collect personal data that you provide to us when you register and interact with our website. The type of information we collect depends on whether you are an Exhibitor, a Trade Buyer, or a Visitor.

• For Exhibitors: We collect information necessary for participation in our events and for showcasing on our platform. This includes:
  • Company Information: Company name, brand name, office address, factory address, year established, type of organization, business registration number, company size, market segment, nature of business, product information, and product categories.
  • Contact Details: Name and salutation of the contact person, company designation, mobile numbers, and e-mail addresses
  • Professional and Financial Information: Business registration documents (e.g. Mayor’s permit), and certifications.
  • Marketing & Platform Content: Brand story, products writ-ups, Social media links, and website url.
  • Account & Preference Information: Current export markets, target export countries, and target buyer types.
• For Trade Buyers: We collect information to facilitate your participation, networking, and business matching activities. This includes:
  • Identity & Contact Details: Full name, salutation, designation, company name, address, contact number, and email address.
  • Professional and Financial Information: Annual sales volume, Existing business with Philippine suppliers, annual purchases from Philippine suppliers, and certificates.
  • Marketing & Platform Content: Brand story, products writ-ups, Social media links, and website url.
  • Account & Preference Information: Product of Interests
• For Visitors: We collect information to facilitate your entrance and participation in our events and initiatives. This includes:
  • Identity & Contact Details: Full name, salutation, designation, company name, address, contact number, and email address.
  • Professional Information: Nature of your business, role in the company, annual sales, and product categories of interest.

How We Collect Your Information

Your personal data is collected directly from you through the website registration form when you create an account on the FAME+ platform. We also collect information automatically through tracking technologies like cookies when you browse our website.

How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for the following specific purposes:

• To manage your event registration and participation.
• To facilitate business matching and communication between Exhibitors and Trade Buyers.
• To send you marketing communications, newsletters, and updates about Manila FAME and FAME+, provided you have given your consent.
• To analyze website traffic and user behavior for service improvement.
• To personalize and enhance your user experience on our platform.
• To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

How We Share Your Information

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your data. We do not sell your personal information. We only share it in the following limited circumstances:

• For Business Matching: Approved Trade Buyers can initiate communication with Exhibitors by sending messages or requesting information. Exhibitors can only respond to these buyer-initiated communications.
• With Third-Party Service Providers: We engage trusted third parties to perform certain functions on our behalf. These include:
  • Mailchimp for sending email campaigns.
  • A third-party supplier for sending transactional emails (e.g., password resets, registration confirmations).
  • Google Analytics for website analytics and performance monitoring.
• With Government and Partner Organizations: We may share data with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies and other government agencies, or event partners. This is done strictly for official purposes and is governed by a formal Data Sharing Agreement to protect your data.

Data Security and Retention

We have implemented robust technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include:

• SSL/TLS encryption
• Strict access controls
• Firewalls
• Regular security audits

We will retain your personal data for 10 years or until you request its deletion. Before the expiration of the period of 10 years, we may update our Data Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions to which your consent will be required for us to retain your personal data.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to improve your Browse experience. Our website uses essential, functional, marketing, and analytics cookies. By using our website, you consent to the use of these cookies. For more detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.

Your Rights as a Data Subject

You have rights over your personal data. In line with the DPA, GDPR, and other privacy laws, you have the right to:

• Access and Update Your Data: You can access and update your personal information at any time through your user dashboard.
• Be Informed: You have the right to be informed that your personal data is being, has been, or will be processed.
• Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data.
• Erasure or Blocking (Right to be Forgotten): You can request the deletion of your account and personal data. We will comply unless we are required by law to retain it.
• Rectification: You have the right to correct any inaccuracies in your personal data.
• Data Portability: You have the right to receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
• Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) in the Philippines or your local data protection authority if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, you may contact our Data Protection Officer.

International Data Transfers

FAME+ is a global platform. By registering and providing your information, you consent to the transfer of your data to the Philippines, where our operations are based, for processing. We ensure that all data transfers comply with applicable legal requirements.

Children's Privacy

The FAME+ platform and the Manila FAME event are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
Data Protection Officer: Atty. Eva Marie C. Mariquina
Email: dataprotection@citem.com.ph