Locally Sourced Produce Fair Opened at Robinsons Place Bacolod

Robinsons Place Bacolod seeks to help MSMEs, especially in the agriculture sector, in the midst of the economic crisis brought by this pandemic. They have opened the Locally Sourced Produce Fair in order to give local farmers and small businessmen an avenue for their merchandise. It is held at the mall’s atrium from October 6 to 14.

The Locally Sourced Produce Fair

Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, who graced the opening of the Locally Sourced Produce Fair, said that one of the hardest-hit sectors because of Covid-19 is agriculture. Before the pandemic happened, the organic industry of Negros Occidental was already bracing for the international market. But all the plans just went up in smoke.

The opening day was graced by:

• Mr. Joseph S. Sian – Robinsons Malls Operations Director
• Ms. Dina A. Genzola, DPA – OIC Provincial Agriculturist
• Ms. Gina Banaowski – President, Mailum Organic Village Association
• Hon. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson – Governor, Province of Negros Occidental

Mr. Sian said that during the entirety of the fair, the exhibitors are allowed to sell rent-free. The only condition is that they sell their produce at farmgate prices for the benefit of the public. This is Robinsons’ way of helping farmer-producers so that they will have a venue to sell their produce to a bigger market.

The event is held in cooperation with the following:

• Provincial Government of Negros Occidental
• Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
• Department of Agriculture
• Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita
• Abanse Negrense
• Robinsons Department Store

Learning Experiences

The fair is not just about selling. There will be educational and fun events every day. See the schedule below:

• 2nd day (Oct 7) – Mushroom Day (film showing on mushroom production)
• 3rd day (Oct 8) – Coffee and Cacao Day (information on coffee and cacao production and coffee cupping)
• 4th day (Oct 9) – Rabbit Meat Day (cooking demo of rabbit stew by an Italian chef)
• 5th day (Oct 10) – Kadiwa Day (showcase of hydroponics technology and compact farming)
• 6th day (Oct 11) – Rice Alternative Day
• 7th Day (Oct 12) – Rural Women Entrepreneurs Day (with a cooking demo)
• 8th Day (Oct 13) – Fruits and Vegetables Day (fruit and vegetable seedlings will be given away)
• 9th Day (Oct 14) – Seafood Day

Rabbit Meat Day

The Province of Negros Occidental is keen on encouraging local farmers to raise rabbits as an alternative source of meat. A booth will be selling frozen rabbit meat during the fair. On the first day as well as on Rabbit Meat Day, they will be letting the public sample rabbit meat.

Also, check out the booth of RM Bean to Bar artisanal chocolates. These are locally sourced and made, heralding the local cacao growers.

Meanwhile, Long-time natural living advocates like Fresh Start Organics and Sir Jess also have their booths at the fair. The public can enjoy shopping for fresh fruits, veggies, other local produce, and gardening essentials at the Locally Sourced Produce Fait until October 14! Just visit the Atrium of Robinsons Place Bacolod.