The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO), will host SIBOL: 33rd Bulawan, 4th Pilak, and 3rd ANP-PGNO Balik Salig Design Competition and Awards at the SM City Bacolod Events Center from Tuesday to Friday, May 26 to 29.
This event serves as the official launchpad for the 40th Negros Trade Fair season.
As the first phase of this year’s landmark celebration, the four-day event marks the
premiere of original products that will eventually headline the grand 40th-anniversary trade fair in Manila this September, Mary Ann Colmenares, chairperson of the 2026 Negros Trade Fair, said on Sunday.
These competitions exist to reinforce a culture of continuous creativity among local producers, she said.
The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) spearheads this initiative every year, driving the mission to keep local artistry at the forefront of the industry.
This year’s competitions showcase a diverse range of Negrense talent across three distinct platforms:
33RD BULAWAN AWARDS
Established in 1990, the Bulawan Awards is the flagship design competition of the Association of Negros Producers.
It serves as a proving ground where local MSMEs are required to move beyond their existing catalogs to debut entirely new, never-before-seen products. Twenty makers will present these fresh designs, including a notable expansion into the communities of Canlaon. The inclusion of Canlaon weavers and entrepreneurs introduces distinct textures and stories to the Bulawan stage for the first time.
4TH PILAK AWARDS
The Pilak Awards, managed by the Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC), focuses on the growth and market readiness of MSMEs supported by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
This competition recognizes the outstanding efforts of entrepreneurs who are scaling their businesses and refining their local products for a wider audience. With 47 entries this year, the category reflects the robust expansion and potential of the provincial entrepreneurial sector.
3RD BALIK SALIG AWARDS
The Balik Salig Awards is a strategic collaboration between the ANP and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental aimed at community empowerment. This competition provides a platform for residents in former conflict areas to develop new livelihoods through creativity. Partner communities use design to tell stories of resilience, showcasing high-quality weaves that represent peace and sustainable economic progress.
EVENT SCHEDULE
The official judging and opening ceremony will take place on May 26.
Following the launch, the event features a daily rotation of activities through May 31, including creative workshops, industry meetups, and runway presentations that showcase the intersection of traditional crafts and modern trends.
A major highlight occurs on May 29 with the official awarding ceremony and the local unveiling of the 40th Negros Trade Fair theme., Colmenares saiod.
Throughout the week, the public can visit the Bulawan Trade Fair at the venue to shop a curated selection of products from local entrepreneurs, she said.
This provides a direct opportunity to support these makers and see their new design directions before they travel to the national stage later this year Colmenares said.*
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