Bicol expo sales reach P21.3M

LEGAZPI CITY -- Organizers of the recently concluded “Orgullo Kan Bikol” (OKB) or Bicol’s Pride-Gayon Bikol (Beautiful Bicol) trade and travel fair 2017 said Tuesday the event was a resounding success in promoting the region’s products, having earned record-high sales amounting to P21.3M. The joint fair participated in by 141 exhibitors and held at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from October 5 to 8 showcased the region’s best products in arts, crafts and tourism destinations. Jocelyn Berango, spokesperson of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bicol, said the products included wearables, housewares, furniture, processed foods and native health and wellness concoctions, all made out of locally available raw materials. “The trade fair hit the total sales of P21.3M which exceeded the P20M target. It has also contributed much to job generation in the Bicol’s countryside. The 141 exhibitors proved that their products are not only ASEAN ready; but globally ready, as well,” Berango said. Bicol’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have already developed world-class packaging for their processed food products which are now more competitive and exported to US, Canada, Japan, Korea and Europe, she noted. Berango said the high sales was attributed to a wider display of products with 255 new ones that delighted the buyers. Also, Bicol products became world-class after undergoing intensive product development prior to the exhibit, Berango said. The top sellers for OKB last year were awarded during the opening ceremony. They were Arim’s Muscovado Milling Facility of Albay for the Processed Food category, Marclo Enterprises of Catanduanes for Furniture & Furnishing, and Disenio de Craftico of Albay for Wearables & Homestyle. Himig Kapitolyo of Sorsogon, MAG Dancers of Iriga City, and Tabaco City’s Young Dance Theatricus and The Voices of Love provided entertainment during the fair. Berango congratulated the stakeholders for another successful staging of the OKB-Gayon Bicol Fair. “To all the buyers, and to everyone who contributed for the 21st OKB-Gayon Bicol’s success, thank you for all the support,” she added.