SENATORS Franklin Drilon and Loren Legarda are expected to lead the opening ceremonies of the 31st Negros Trade Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City Wednesday, September 14.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Nora Terrado, and Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat are also invited to grace the kick-off activity.
The annual trade fair will run until September 18.
Negros Occidental Acting Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will represent the province along with local chief executives of Bacolod City, San Carlos City, Talisay City, Victorias City and Manapla, among others.
Themed “Biodiversity in Tourism,” this year’s trade fair will feature 110 selling booths showcasing truly Negros products of more than 100 member-producers.
Christina Gaston, president of Association of Negros Producers (ANP), said the event highlights the province's rich biodiversity that is vital in promoting its tourism industry.
Aside from showcasing the provincial government and private sector's strong initiatives in the protection of its biodiversity, the trade fair will also uphold truly Negros creativity, skills and entrepreneurial spirit, she added.
“We hope that through this year’s trade fair, we can attract more potential local and international markets as well as tourists who will come to Negros which will surely boost local micro, small and medium enterprises,” Gaston said.
Before today’s opening, eight chefs who are actively promoting slow food movement gathered last night for the Arima Cocktails.
The activity hosted by the Slow Food Negros Island has highlighted “heritage” or slow food recipes and ingredients, Gaston said.
The remaining days of the trade fair will be highlighted by exhibits and selling of products from various sectors such as food, natural and organic, fashion accessories and garments, furniture and furnishings, gifts, decor and house wares, and tourism.
ANP had earlier said that with this number of participating producers and more improved products they are bringing, they are positive to surpass last year's sales of about P19.5 million.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental has allocated P700,000 as financial assistance to ANP for the hosting of this year's event.
