• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 38th Negros Trade Fair continues to promote products from former New People’s Army rebels, under the Balik Salig Program of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, in partnership with the Association of Negros Producers and the Philippine Army.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech at the 38th Negros Trade Fair held at the Glorietta 2 activity center in Makati, said the participation and management of the Provincial Peace and Order Council booth of former rebels, now on its third year, not only highlights their entrepreneurial skill, but also symbolizes their successful reintegration to the community.
The ANP and the 94th Infantry Battalion, in close collaboration with the provincial government of Negros Occidental, had been helping former rebels in Sitio Madaja, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, a former NPA stronghold, in their reintegration to mainstream society.
This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting all members of our society and celebrating their achievements, said Lacson, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council of Western Visayas.
He also reported that the number of exhibitors this year rose from 108 to 115, including nine exhibitors from Negros Oriental, highlighting the growing unity in the Negros Island Region.
Through these efforts, we continue to drive economic growth, celebrate our local heritage, and ensure that Negros Island’s agricultural and aquaculture products reach their fullest potential, Lacson further said.
Our SMSEs and exhibitors are not only showcasing their products but also showing the stories behind them, tales of perseverance, creativity, and triumph as entrepreneurs who continue to thrive, despite current challenges, he also said.
I hope trade fairs like this will inspire Filipinos to shift their purchasing habits towards locally made products. By doing so, we not only support homegrown industries, but also domestic travel, boosting Filipino owned businesses and services, the governor added.
The activity started with a tribute to the late Gov. Daniel Lacson Jr., dubbed as the father Negros Trade Fair. It was also attended by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Makati Mayor Abbie Binay, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, ANP officials led by Michael Edward Claparols, Tima Lacson, Anna Dominique Nikki Benitez, Reps. Mercedes Alvarez, Alfredo Maranon III and Jocelyn Limkaichong, and mayors of Negros Occidental, among others.
Lacson also invited those attending the activity to explore the diverse and innovative creations from six product sectors of ANP: fashion, furniture, gifts and housewares, food, organic and natural products, and tourism.
He also lauded ANP for their continued proactive initiatives, with the trade fair now considered as the longest running provincial trade fair held in Manila.
Your efforts have created avenues for local small and medium enterprises to thrive, on both domestic and international fronts, the governor further said.*
