13th “Orgullo kan Bikol” opens at SM Mega Mall

By Mar S. Arguelles

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 15 (PNA) –- Bicol’s best products entrepreneurs across the region will showcase their products at the 13th "Orgullo kan Bikol" regional trade fair on October 22-25 at the SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office said on Wednesday.

The DTI, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol regional offices, will also bring in the trade fair “Gayon Bikol sa OK Bikol” featuring the best tourist destinations in the region, giving the event an appealing socio-cultural touch.

“Featured products for this year’s Orgullo kan Bikol include wearables, home furnishings, gifts and holiday decors, and food with special setting on 'bayong', creative handicrafts, and OTOP”, Jocelyn L.B. Blanco, DTI Bicol regional director said.

Blanco said amidst the many challenges that we are facing right now, we are still confident to generate sales of P10 million for the four-day trade fair.

A total of 134 Bicolano entrepreneurs will sell their products to institutional buyers and the general public as well.

Among the six provinces, Albay has the biggest number of exhibitors with 33 micro-small medium enterprises (MSMEs), followed by Camarines Sur with 24, Sorsogon with 14, Catanduanes nine, Camarines Norte six, and Masbate five.

Aside from the regular MSMEs assisted by DTI, 43 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries/entrepreneurs will join the OKB. All these beneficiaries are assisted by DTI through the livelihood program under Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, also the Bicol Regional Development Council chair, is expected to keynote the opening program at 10:00 a.m. on October 22, 1009 at SM Mega Mall.

OK Bikol is a project of the DTI-Region V, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region V, OK Bikol Association, PhilExport Bicol and local government units (LGUs).(PNA)