• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Organizers of the 39th Negros Trade Fair (NTF) reported what they described as unprecedented success with P54.5 million in spot sales as well as P97 million in booked business-to-business (B2B) transactions totaling P151.5 million and 41,000 visitors in a period of six days.
This year’s trade fair was held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City from Sept. 23 to 28, with the participation of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Other participants were former rebels, who have been assisted by the Negros Occidental provincial government under the Balik Salig Program, in collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and the Philippine Army.
Last year, exhibitors of the Negros Trade Fair logged P59.4 million in total sales.
Carrying the theme “Himbon” (to gather), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair and Negros Island’s premier marketing platform delivered far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impact for the region, with the support of the provincial government, organizers said.
On the economic front, organizers further said that exhibitors gained breakthrough opportunities, with a local food processor secured their first export order while others forged supply deals with national distributors and soft goods manufacturers began product collaborations with Filipino lifestyle giant Kultura.
These achievements reflect how the trade fair strengthens supply chains and opens new markets for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Some 375 microenterprises assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units were given the opportunity to market test their products in Metro Manila.
Alongside were the 113 small and medium enterprises who are members of the ANP and Negrense-owned companies whose advocacies align with ANP’s vision.
“Beyond trade, the fair also united Negrenses and Metro Manila audiences in celebrating Negros’ rich culture and creativity as the event reinforced community pride, created livelihoods, and inspired future entrepreneurs,” organizers said.
Sustainability also took center stage, with many exhibitors highlighting eco-friendly practices and products rooted in Negros’ agricultural abundance, underscoring the region’s commitment to responsible growth.
As the Negros Trade Fair continues to showcase the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Negrense people, it is looking forward its 40th edition in 2026 in a new home at SMX Aura with strengthened partnerships with SMX Convention Center, SM Supermalls, and their program on SM for MSMEs. | GB
