Negros Trade Fair hits record revenues, delivers far-reaching impact

Lifestyle | Tourism Posted on 2026-03-12 00:48:47

BACOLOD CITY – Organizers of the Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair held in Metro Manila, highlighted its strong impact on producers in the Negros Island Region (NIR) after the 39th edition recorded its highest sales and business bookings.

Held from Sept. 23 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, the event attracted around 41,000 visitors. It generated PHP54.5 million in direct sales and PHP97 million in booked business-to-business transactions.

NTF chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares said in an online interview on Thursday that this year’s trade fair featured several firsts, including a new venue.

“After many years of holding the event in Makati, we staged it in Taguig for the first time. We also had a new group of distributors because of the newly formed NIR. We invited our counterparts—the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Negros Oriental side and from Siquijor,” she said.

Carrying the theme “Himbon,” a Hiligaynon word that means “to gather,” the fair brought together 139 exhibitors, including 23 local government units (LGUs). They showcased the best products from Negros, including food, fashion items, handicrafts, and other local goods during the six-day event.

In a press statement, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the lead organizer, said the NTF continues to serve as Negros Island’s premier marketing platform, creating wide-ranging economic, social, and environmental benefits for the NIR.

The Negros Occidental Provincial Government supported this year’s event with PHP5 million in financial assistance.

“Economically, the fair created breakthrough opportunities for exhibitors. One local food processor secured its first export order, while others formed supply agreements with national distributors. Some soft goods manufacturers also began product collaborations with the Filipino lifestyle brand Kultura,” the statement said.

“These milestones show how the trade fair helps strengthen supply chains and open new markets for micro, small, and medium enterprises,” it added.

According to the ANP, around 375 microenterprises, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and various LGUs, were given the opportunity to test-market their products in Metro Manila.

Other participants included 113 SMEs, composed of ANP members and Negrense-owned businesses whose advocacies align with the organization’s vision.

Lynna Joy Cardinal, provincial director of DTI-Negros Occidental, said in an interview that 76 micro-entrepreneurs supported by the Negosyo Centers across cities and municipalities in the province joined this year’s trade fair.

She added that the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program of the DTI also set up a booth to showcase processed coconut products made by entrepreneurs from Negros Occidental.

Among the participating LGUs, Cadiz City reported generating more than PHP600,000 in revenue after selling out its well-known dried fish products during the event.

NPO News Team | PNA Philippine News Agency - PR

Share:

Writer :

Link :