THRITEEN enterprises in Negros Island Region (NIR) bagged this year's Bulawan Awards of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) in rites held at SM City Bacolod’s Main Atrium, on Thursday, July 20.
For the fashion and garments sector, the Kiculo Crafts won in the bags category; Ribyline Ladies’ Fashion, garments category; and Momsies Enterprises, fashion jewelry category.
T-Flavors bagged the deli category award under the food sector. Other winners were Altertrade Philippines Inc. for sugar-based category and Sir Jess for flour-based category.
For furniture and furnishings, Tumandok Crafts Industries was adjudged winner in the furniture category while 4J Exclusive ruled the luminary category.
Tumandok Crafts Industries also won in the home furnishing and table top categories for the gifts, décor, and homestyle sector.
The ANP also awarded Alter Trade Philippines Inc. for food category under the natural and organic sector. For non-food category, the winner was Mamabbels Home Garden.
Negros Silk Producers Association Inc., meanwhile, bagged this year's novelty souvenir category award under the tourism sector.
All winners are from Negros Occidental except from Momsies Enterprises of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.
Maxima Madera, chairman of the 27th Bulawan Awards, said the activity is aimed at recognizing excellent local enterprises as well as further motivating them to continue innovating their products.
Madera said there is a pressing need for local enterprises to create products with timely and fresh concepts especially amid the challenges brought by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic integration.
Themed “Food for Thought,” the activity is a prelude to the 32nd Negros Trade Fair to be held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City in September, she added.
Moreover, these enterprises are assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
DTI-Negros Occidental Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Mae Buaron, who was also present at the awarding ceremony, said they continue to encourage entrepreneurs to do product development.
Buaron said innovation is one vital component of developing local products that enables producers to increase market share.
"Product development is one strategy in marketing. Our entrepreneurs are challenged to always innovate to maintain their competitive advantage amid the growing market competition," she added.
