The 37th edition of the Negros Trade Fair opened recently at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati, as the provincial government of Negros Occidental aims to replicate or surpass its successful comeback in 2022.
With a theme “Amuma”, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said its primary aims are to provide a platform for micro, small and medium sized entrepreneurs to expand their markets, seize export opportunities, and engage in trade.
The provincial government, according to Lacson, is presently assisting 204 micro enterprises from 31 cities and municipalities, giving them support in processing their produce through the Capitol shared service facility which includes equipment for canning, juice and meat processing and vegetable drying, with products now on display.
In his speech, Lacson also reported that products from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Negros Occidental, which are derived from endemic materials and resources, are also among those being promoted in the trade fair.
I hope trade fairs such as this will motivate Filipinos to redirect their purchasing habits toward the consumption of locally manufactured goods. Additionally, it will invigorate domestic travel, fostering support for Filipino owned businesses and services, the governor further said.
Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer led members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Capitol department heads, and several local chief executives in joining Gov. Lacson attend the annual trade fair spearheaded by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP).
Among national government officials who witnessed the trade fair were Senators Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, and Grace Poe, among others.
Lacson said the innovative efforts of ANP created avenues for local small and medium enterprises to thrive on both domestic and international fronts.
To our local producers, please persist in your innovation, creativity and quest for excellence. Your provincial government is committed to supporting you throughout your journey, he added.
Lacson also expressed his appreciation to various local government units that shared their products, as well as to the tourism and business sectors, among others.
The triumph of this trade fair is a testament to our joint efforts, aimed at showcasing to the world that Negros Occidental and Negrense products indeed belong to global standards, he stressed.
(Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)