BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Trade Fair is marking its 40th year with a record 178 exhibitors showcasing food, fashion, furniture, crafts and other products from across the Negros Island Region.
The fair, billed as the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair in Metro Manila, is being held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City from Sept. 22 to 27.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Butlak,” which means “to bloom” or “to daybreak.”
Organized by the Association of Negros Producers, the event features exhibitors from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bacolod City.
Products are grouped into food, natural and organic goods, fashion, furniture, gifts, décor and houseware, tourism and local government exhibits.
During the opening ceremony, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the trade fair has grown from a small gathering of producers into a four-decade tradition that has helped Negrense entrepreneurs reach wider markets.
“The Negros Trade Fair continued because the people behind it believe that our products, our skills and creativity deserve a place in the market,” Lacson said.
He added that while sugar remains an important part of the province’s economy and history, the fair has shown that Negros has much more to offer through its growing range of products and creative enterprises.
Negros Trade Fair chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares described “Butlak” as a celebration of courage, creativity and the resilience of Negrense producers.
She said this year’s fair brings together exhibitors from different generations, including a 97-year-old participant from Dumaguete City and entrepreneurs as young as 21.
Colmenares said the 40th anniversary should also serve as a commitment to create more opportunities for the next generation of Negrense creatives and entrepreneurs to grow.
