• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Income derived from the 38th Negros Trade Fair held at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center in Makati, from September 17 to 22, reached P59.4 million, which is an increase by 20 percent compared to last year, Association of Negros Producers (ANP) president Arlene Infante, disclosed yesterday.
The food sector had the biggest sales of P31 million, followed by gifts with sales of P16 million, P4.4 million for fashion, P4.5 million for tourism, P2.4 million for furniture, and P1.4 million for the organic sector.
ANP posted total sales of P47.7 in 2023.
Infante attributed their success to their campaign to promote Negrense products in social media and other media platforms.
Among the exhibitors are those that came from Negros Oriental, along with the participation of former rebels from Negros Occidental.
According to a statement issued by the Philippine Army, the participation of former rebels, organized by the 79th Infantry Battalion, marked a significant milestone for the rebels who have transitioned from conflict to productive members of society, showcasing their handcrafted goods and entrepreneurial spirit.
Their association, composed of individuals who once bore arms, now engage in creating and selling finely crafted products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Negros, with the assistance of the ANP and other local government initiatives, according to Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander.
Those former rebels, according to Calaoagan, have found a peaceful and sustainable livelihood, contributing to both the local industry and community reintegration.
“We are immensely proud of their progress and their journey from conflict to craftsmanship,” he added.
Calaoagan further disclosed that the trade fair provides former rebels with a platform to showcase their creations to a wider audience and further their entrepreneurial ventures.
Because of the success, Infante said she is optimistic that more exhibitors will join the 39th Negros Trade Fair in 2025, which will be held in another venue, as the Glorietta Activity Center will be up for renovation.
The 38th Negros Trade Fair, with this year’s theme of “Halad” or offering, which embodies the spirit of generosity and unity that defines the Negrense community, is the longest-running provincial trade fair in the country held in Metro Manila.*
