Bacolod City – The 37th annual Negros Trade Fair 2023 (NTF), considered as longest running trade fair in the country, is reported by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson to return at the Glorietta Activity Center 2 in Makati City, from September 26 to October 1.
This time, 10 cities, five municipalities and two districts in Negros Occidental will be participating, as announced yesterday by Michael Claparols of the Association of Negros Producers Inc., during an activity at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
Joining the Negros Trade Fair 2023, which features Negrense handicrafts, delicacies, local fashion, and art, are the cities of Bacolod, Cadiz, Kabankalan, Talisay, Sagay, Silay, San Carlos, Bago, Sipalay and Himamaylan, as well as municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto, Toboso, Isabela, La Castellana and Hinigaran, Claparols said.
This year theme for the Negros Trade Fair, which is under the supervision of Association of Negros Producers, is “Amuma”, which in Hiligaynon, means “to take care.”
The trade fair is targeting markets in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Last year, it featured 93 booths, 56 company exhibitors and 13 local government units.
In his speech at the activity, Lacson said the trade fair is more than just a trade exposition and a showcase of Negrense products: it is a story of resilience, ingenuity, hope, and courage in the face of global sugar crisis.
Its primary objective is to provide a platform for our micro-small, and medium entrepreneurs to expand their individual markets and seize opportunities for product export and trade, the governor further said.
With MSMEs comprising 99.5 percent of business establishments, their sector is the engine of economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication, Lacson said, stressing “this initiative is part of our vision and goal to effectively implement an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery.”
This year, we target 100 selling booths showcasing new creations and innovative products from ANP’s six product sectors: fashion, furniture, gifts and housewares, food, organic and natural products, and tourism, he added.
Lacson further stressed that the event at Glorietta in Makati will also serve as a platform to promote and showcase the products of the assisted MSMEs of the provincial government, facilitated by various offices, including the Technology and Livelihood Development Center, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Veterinary Office, as well as Provincial Environment and Management Office. (Gilbert Bayoran via TVDS photo by TVDS)
