• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After four decades of showcasing Negrense products in the national market, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson wants the Negros Trade Fair to stand on its own.
Lacson said on Tuesday, Sept. 15 that the provincial government continues to extend financial assistance to the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), which has been staging the annual trade fair in Manila since the 1980s.
For this year’s edition, the province provided P3 million to ANP, lower than the previous allocation of P5 million.
“We would like this trade fair managed by ANP to stand on its own,” Lacson said.
He noted that the local government units and the Tourism and Livelihood Development Corporation have also been contributing to the trade fair, particularly through payments for spaces they use during the event.
The governor said the gradual reduction in provincial assistance is part of the push for the long-running trade fair to become more independent financially.
The 40th Negros Trade Fair, dubbed “Butlak,” will be held this coming Sept. 22 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City.
The milestone edition will bring together 178 micro, small and medium enterprises from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, featuring products ranging from food and fashion to furniture, homeware, art and local crafts.
The event has evolved into one of the province’s major platforms for bringing homegrown products to consumers outside Negros.
ANP president Christina Gaston said the trade fair continues to give small businesses access to a national market and an opportunity to experience what it takes to compete and grow.
She added that 40 years after the event began with the simple goal of helping Negros producers reach a wider market, the mission remains relevant.
This year’s fair will feature established brands as well as newer enterprises, including food producers, fashion designers, artisans and makers using indigenous and sustainable materials such as abaca, bamboo, rattan, hablon, capiz and wild pandan.
Among the participating food establishments and producers are Bob’s Cafe, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal and Virgie Homemade Products.
Other exhibitors include Lakat Sustainables, Arete, Ellege Handcrafted Fashion, Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries and Artisana Island Crafts.
The fair will also showcase products and artworks made from recycled materials, including mosaics, religious images, and ornaments crafted from discarded Nespresso capsules by Negros Volunteers for Change Foundation. | GPB
