Taguig city: Organizers of the Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair in Metro Manila, underscored the far-reaching impact of the platform to producers in the Negros Island Region (NIR) after hitting record sales and bookings in the just-concluded 39th edition.
According to Philippines News Agency, the event, held from September 23 to 28 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, drew 41,000 visitors and generated PHP54.5 million in spot sales, as well as PHP97 million in booked business-to-business transactions. This year’s trade fair had several firsts, including a new venue. NTF Chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares noted that after many years in Makati, the event moved to Taguig for the first time and featured a new set of distributors due to the newly-formed NIR. The fair also welcomed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Themed ‘Himbon,’ a Hiligaynon term meaning ‘to gather,’ the event brought together 139 exhibitors, including 23 local government units (LGUs), showcasing a variety of products such as food, fashion, and crafts. In a press statement, lead organizer Association of Negros Producers (ANP) highlighted the event’s economic, social, and environmental impact for the NIR. The Negros Occidental provincial government supported the fair with PHP5 million in financial backing.
On the economic front, the fair provided exhibitors with significant opportunities. A local food processor secured a first export order, national distributors forged supply deals, and soft goods manufacturers began collaborations with Filipino lifestyle giant Kultura. These achievements underscore how the fair strengthens supply chains and opens new markets for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Some 375 microenterprises, assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the LGUs, had the opportunity to market test their products in Metro Manila. Exhibitors included 113 SMEs, ANP members, and Negrense-owned companies whose advocacies align with ANP’s vision.
DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal reported that 76 micro-entrepreneurs supported by Negosyo Centers in various cities and municipalities joined this year’s fair. The DTI’s Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program also featured a booth showcasing processed coconut products from assisted entrepreneurs in Negros Occidental. Among the LGUs, Cadiz City generated over PHP600,000 in revenues from selling out its famous dried fish products.