• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Organizers of the 39th Negros Trade Fair (NTF) reported what it described as unprecedented success with P54.5 million in spot sales, as well as P97 million in business-to-business (B2B) transactions booked, totaling at P151.5 million, along with 41,000 visitors within a period of more than six days.
This year’s trade fair was held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City, which ran from September 23 to 28, with the participation of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, as well as former rebels who were assisted by the Negros Occidental provincial government under the Balik Salig Program, in collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and the Philippine Army.
Last year, exhibitors of the Negros Trade Fair logged P59.4 million in total sales.
Carrying the theme HIMBON (to gather) – the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair and Negros Island’s premier marketing platform, delivered far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impact for the Negros Island Region, with the support of the Negros Occidental provincial government led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
On the economic front, NTF organizers further said that exhibitors gained breakthrough opportunities, with a local food processor securing their first export order (pending FDA clearance), while others forged supply deals with national distributors, and soft goods manufacturers began product collaborations with Filipino lifestyle giant Kultura.
These achievements, according to its organizers, reflect how the trade fair strengthens supply chains and opens new markets for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), with 375 Department of Trade and Industry and LGU-assisted microenterprises given the opportunity to market test their products in Metro Manila, alongside the 113 small and medium enterprises who are members of the Association of Negros Producers and Negrense-owned companies whose advocacies align with ANP’s vision.
Beyond trade, the fair also united Negrenses and Metro Manila audiences in celebrating Negros’ rich culture and creativity, as the event reinforced community pride, created livelihoods, and inspired future entrepreneurs.
Sustainability also took center stage, with many exhibitors highlighting eco-friendly practices and products rooted in Negros’ agricultural abundance – underscoring the region’s commitment to responsible growth.
As the Negros Trade Fair continues to showcase the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Negrense people, it is looking forward its 40th edition in 2026 in a new home at SMX Aura with strengthened partnerships with SMX Convention Center, SM Supermalls and their program on SM for MSMEs.*
