• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The sales for this year edition of Negros Trade Fair (NTF) have reached P47.6 million, as reported by the Association of Negros Producers, which according to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, surpassed total sales last year.
“It was a resounding success,” Lacson said yesterday.
The ANP reported that the 36th NTF in 2022 generated 33.4 million in sales.
The sales at the Abanse Negrense booth also increased from P297,689 to P502,325.50.
Most of the products sold were mostly food, furniture, and crafts, Lacson said.
With a theme “Amuma”, the 37th edition of NTF aims to provide a platform for micro, small and medium sized entrepreneurs to expand their markets, seize export opportunities, and engage in trade. Products from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Negros Occidental, which are derived from endemic materials and resources, are also among those being promoted in the trade fair, Lacson said.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was among the national government officials who visited the trade fair at Glorietta 2 in Makati City, and even promoted the products from insurgency affected areas of Himamaylan City, to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Lacson challenged local producers to be persistent in their innovation, creativity, and quest for excellence, as he assured them of full support of the provincial government throughout their journey.
The provincial government is presently assisting 204 micro enterprises from 31 cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.*
