THE Bicol region put its best foot forward once again as the OK Bikol Association Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently held the 20th Orgullo Kan Bikol-Gayon Bicol Trade and Tourism Fair at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall.
Incepted in 1996 as OK Bikol, it is the longest-running regional trade and travel fair, which showcases the distinct products and tourist spots from Bicol, which is among the country’s fastest-growing regions.
A hundred and eight micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and seven institutional exhibitors took part in this year’s edition of the expo, which is Bicol region’s vehicle in developing homegrown entrepreneurs, especially those who are vying for the Manila market for the first time.
The event’s guests of honor were Vice President Maria Leonor G. Robredo, who hails from Naga City, along with Undersecretaries Zenaida Maglaya of the DTI and Alma Rita Jimenez of the DOT.
Started by the DTI in 1996, Orgullo Kan Bikol (Pride of Bicol) showcased the region’s cottage industries, and has generated some P200 million in actual receipts, excluding business transactions consummated after the show.
With the support of the DTI, producers have developed world-class packaging for processed-food products, which have become export quality. The DTI also supports micro, MSMEs in product development by tapping local designers to assist merchants in creating new design concepts for their handicrafts.
The DOT joined in 2001 to synergize trade and tourism.
Orgullo Kan Bikol-Gayon Bicol is supported by the various provincial, city and municipal local government units that presented their One Town, One Product (Otop) specialties, such as abaca products, home furnishings, fashion accessories, health and wellness concoctions, pili-based candies and novelty items.
The event also featured processed food-and-beverage products, which have been certified Halal by the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, making them more competitive in the global market.
The expo also highlighted Bicol’s popular and new travel destinations. In recent years, Bicol has posted the highest tourist arrivals among all the regions due to its diverse natural attractions, festivals and accessibility from Manila and the Visayas.
With Albay as a gateway and anchor destination, the region has been clustered into the Almasor (Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon) Tourism Alliance and the Camarines Norte-Camarines Sur-Catanduanes (3C) Tourism Link.
Spicing up the four-day fair were performances by the CamSur Cultural Dancers, the All Star Band of Legazpi City, MAG Dancers of Iriga City, and surprise entertainment numbers and guest appearances from Bicolano artists and celebrities.