• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As the 39th Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair in Metro Manila, opened yesterday in a new venue – SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that he is optimistic that it will surpass the sales in previous years.
A total of 139 exhibitors, including 23 local government units of Negros Island Region, have joined the 2025 NTF edition.
Lacson, who led the opening and blessings of the booths, called on Negrenses in Manila, and the general public to visit the trade fair, which will last until Sept. 28.
We would like you to come here, and appreciate the products, what we have prepared for you, Lacson said.
With a much bigger venue, Lacson said he expects much better sales compared to last year, as he thanked the management of SM, who went all out to advertise the trade fair.
The 39th NTF, organized by the Association of Negros Producers, has the theme “Himbon” (gathering).
The exhibitors from coming from the different areas of Negros Island Region are showcasing food, fashion, crafts, and other products.
The opening day was jam packed with shoppers, including some national government officials and diplomats.
As the trade fair is getting better and better every year, Lacson said it only shows that the public appreciates the products and food that Negrenses are selling.
So far, so good, Lacson described the first day of the trade fair.
In 2024, the sales were reported at almost P60 million, P47.6 million in 2023 and P33.3 million in 2022.*
