The organizers of the 37th Negros Trade Fair (NTF) hope to top their P39 million sales last year when they open at the Glorietta 2 Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City on September 26 to October 1.
They have new producers who are joining this year’s NTF, which will showcase the best of Negros’ products in 108 booths, MaryAnn Colmenares, vice chair of this year’s trade fair, said Wednesday, August 23.
“We want to show the diversity of our products,” she said.
The trade fair media launch and exhibitors briefing was held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City with a display of Negros delicacies.
“The Negros Trade Fair holds the distinction of being the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair, hosted in Metro Manila. 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,” Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
He said this year’s theme for the trade fair is “Amuma”, a Hiligaynon term that embodies the concept of “nurturing.”
“Amuma seeks to encapsulate the essence of Negrense culture by accentuating its generosity, welcoming spirit, and open-heartedness. It stands as a tribute to the Negrense culture of charity, hospitality, and warmth,” Lacson said.
Through this event, members of the Association of Negros Producers and the assisted MSMEs of the provincial government will have the opportunity to showcase the very best that Negros Occidental has to offer, he said.
Lacson has increased the Negros Occidental’s annual assistance to the NTF from P2.5 million to P3 million this year, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
The trade fair is about helping communities and branding Negros, he said.
The NTF will feature Negros-made food, natural and organic products, fashion and accessories, gifts, decor and housewares, and furniture and furnishings.*