1st NIR MSME EXHIBIT + ANP Bulawan Awards

1st Negros Island MSME Exhibit
at SM City Bacolod for
MSMED WEEK

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines is keen on strengthening the MSMEs of the country so they are developing programs, grants, and events that would improve the existing MSMEs and encourage more people to become entrepreneurs.

July is where the MSMED Week is scheduled and this week of July 17-23, 2017, Bacolod City is seeing many activities geared toward this goal. Last Monday, July 17, the 1st NIR MSME Exhibit was launched at the atrium of SM City Bacolod. Here, members of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) exhibit their products–from food, to clothing, to decor, and home furnishings–for the mall goers to see and most of all, buy. Meanwhile, the First National Food Safety Fair is being hosted by the ANP as a conference component to the 2nd National Conference on Food Safety, which were held last July 17 and 18.

For the first time in history, we are witnessing the 1st Negros Island Region (NIR) MSME Exhibit at the north wing atrium of SM City Bacolod. It opened last July 17 and will run until July 23, 2017. Visitors can go around and browse the different products of the members of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP). Buy your favorite Negros products and discover new ones, too. ANP President Christina Gaston of Hacienda Crafts said that there are 37 booths featuring good agricultural practices (GAP) of model farms and convergence of local manufacturers.

Read: CHIEV’S STONES AND CRYSTALS Bacolod Sells Sparkly Things

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who was guest of honor in the opening ceremonies along with DILG Undersecretary Jesus “JV” Hinlo, Jr,  said that trade fairs serve as a venue to strengthen the province’s food industry, one of the strongest programs of the province for economic growth. He takes pride in the quality of Negrense products, as the province hosts three events this week, highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of local producers.

Read: Shiena’s HOMEMADE PEANUT PRODUCTS from Bacolod

By Wednesday, July 19, DTI held a one-day 1st NIR MSME Summit that was open to MSMEs and future entrepreneurs for free. The event was held at SMX Convention Center, with free buffet lunch and two snacks, and featured powerhouse speakers young and veterans who gamely answered questions and promised to help aspiring entrepreneurs in their journey to building their businesses.

Yesterday, the winners of annual Bulawan Awards by the ANP were announced. There were 13 categories, covering the different kinds of products that are showcased at the Negros Showroom.

Read: Clara’s Food Products and the Saga of Goat’s Milk Barquillos

Thank you DTI for doing all these programs for the community. Everyone is enjoined to visit the 1st MSME Exhibit at the SM City Bacolod and let us all support Negros-made products. Exhibit will continue until July 23 at the mall.

Read: Sugarlandia: Original Bacolod Piaya and Barquillos

Read: Ading’s Gourmet Tuyo – Adding Glamour to the Lowly Fish

Bulawan Awards 2017 Winners

The Bulawan Awards is held annually by the ANP in order to motivate their members to continue to develop on their products. This activity keeps them on their toes of innovation, thereby improving all the outputs of the member-producers.

Bags Category – Kiculo Crafts
Fashion Jewelry Category – Momsie’s Enterprises
Garments Category – Rubyline Ladies Fashion
Table Tops Category – Tumandok Crafts Industries
Home Furnishings Category – Tumandok Crafts Industries
Furniture Category – Tumandok Crafts Industries
Luminary Category – 4J Exclusive
Deli Category – T-Flavors Bacolod
Sugar-Based Category – Altertrade Philippines, Inc.
Flour-Based Category – Sir Jess Deli and Restaurant

Read: SIR JESS DELI AND CAFE BACOLOD: Educating the Palate for Healthy Food Options

Natural and organic – Food Category – Altertrade Philippines, Inc.
Natural and organic – Non-food category – Mamabel’s Home Garden
Novelty and Souvenir Category – Negros Silk Producers Association, Inc.