Archdiocese launches trade fair

By Myrna Bermudo

The Archdiocese of Caceres launched Bishop Francisco GainzaTrade Fair (BFGTF) in a press conference attended by members of the local media on July 19 in Robinson’s Place, Naga City.

This year, BFGTF will carry the theme “Sararo Ki Ina sa Pag-Negosyo, pasiring sa Pag-asenso.” It will be held on September 8-18, 2022.

Named in honor of Bishop Gainza who pioneered the first agricultural and industrial expo in Bicol in 1875, it was revived in September 2010 during the Tercentenary celebration of the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Bishop Francisco Escobas Gainza, O.P. was bishop of the Diocese of Caceres from September 25, 1862 to July 31, 1879.

Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD gives his message during the press conference to launch the 2022 Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair. Held at Robinson’s place, it was attended by members of the local media. For 2022, the BFGTF will carry the theme “Sararo Ki Ina sa Pag-Negosyo, pasiring sa pag-asenso.” It will be held on September 8-18, 2022.Named in honor of Bishop Gainza who pioneered the first agricultural and industrial expo in Bicol in 1875, it was revived in September 2010 during the Tercentenary celebration of the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. (By MB. Photo: Screenshot from Archdiocese of Caceres page)

Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD spearheaded the launching together with Rev. Fr. Marcel Emmanuel DP. Real, Executive Director of Caritas – Caceres, Rev. Fr. Erwin Bismonte, Asst. Director of Caritas – Caceres, Jay Percival Ablan, OIC Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Rev. Fr. Luisito Occiano, Director of Caceres Commission on Communications and Ramon L. Dy, Executive Vice President of Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSSCI).

Fr. Real presented the purpose of BFGTF. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among Caritas – Caceres, DTI and CSSCI followed.

“BFGTF aims to revive and sustain the trade fair which Bishop Gainza pioneered as a feature of Peñafrancia festivities, serve as an avenue for poverty alleviation by promoting entrepreneurship in the region, generate income for all stakeholders by showcasing the best of Bikol and other Philippine products, and conduct activities that capacitate MSMEs and boost products’ competitiveness, “ Fr. Real explained.

Caceres Archbishop Tirona congratulated the organizers and expressed gratitude to those who continue to accept the challenge by participating in the trade fair. He also gave a reminder that the trade fair is not a purely commercial endeavor.

“It is inspired by interiority and spirituality guided by charity, justice and fairness. It also aims to instill in all of the organizers and participants a sense of communion, of helping one another towards a common goal: that of helping alleviate and eradicate poverty in Bicol,” the Archbishop said.