QUEZON CITY, April 3 (PIA) — Finest local products from the islands of Visayas particularly from the areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda are showcased at the Megatrade Hall 3, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City starting Wednesday, April 2 until April 6, 2014 (Sunday). 

Dubbed as “Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya”, the trade fair is a fulfillment of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s promise to help the residents affected by the Typhoon Yolanda and boost the local economy in the Visayan region. 

The trade fair is spearheaded by the Office of the President, implemented by the joint efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), and in partnership with the PhilExport Eastern Visayas Association Inc. (PEVAI). 

Around 100 producer-exhibitors coming from the hardest-hit areas in the Visayan region (mostly from Leyte) joined the trade fair. Products on display and on-sale include processed food, handmade products, wine, fashion accessories, bags, shoes, decors, gifts, housewares, furniture, and many more. 

DOT Regional Director of Region 8 Karina Rosa “Karen” S. Tiopes said that the ‘pasalubong’ sectors (the producers) is an important aspect in the tourism value chain since they meet the tourists’ demands in terms of souvenirs and ‘pasalubongs’. She said that the “Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya” trade fair is a significant event for the local producers particularly in the Visayan region. 

“We’re slowly working towards getting back at where we were before, and for us, this “Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya” is a very significant event because it’s a milestone (event) for our local producers, it stands for their being resilient, strong, and having the result to really rise back and make a difference,” Tiopes said. 

Meanwhile, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr., said that he believed in the resiliency of the Filipino spirit. He said that business people especially exporters from the Visayan region wanted to prove that they can rise again, and this is shown by their achievement to exhibit and promote their products in the said trade fair. Moreover, the exhibitors also showed their determination by attaining products at a short period of time to join the fair. 

“Ipinakikita nila sa mga suppliers nila, sa mga buyers nila na sila ay back, and alive and kicking… [they have shown to their suppliers and buyers that they are back, alive and kicking.] we can still look at the area, although devastated as something where we can source some of the things that we are buying…” PhilExport President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said in an interview. 

The exhibitors expressed their appreciation to the President’s help to attain the desired trade fair in a commercial area. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pangulo na natupad na ang pangarap namin at naibigay niya ang hinihingi namin na tulong sa kanya na matulungan niya kami para makapag showcase kami ng products namin.” [we thank the President that our dreams were fulfilled, and that he helped us to showcase our products.] Cenon Policarpio, exhibitor/producer, said in an interview. 

Meanwhile Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena delivered President Aquino’s message wherein he cited the PNoy’s vision that, every Filipino should have a job to uplift their lives.

Oquiñena said that the President’s vision will come into reality since PNoy is oner who never fails to act on his promises. 

“Tumaya yung Presidente at naniwala siya sa kakayahan ng Pilipino…nung nilapit yung request for a trade fair, hindi po mahirap sa Presidente na pagbigyan ‘yun, hindi po niya kailangan pag isipan yun, dahil pare-parehas lang po tayong lahat ng pangarap at paniniwala sa kakayahan ng Pilipino… mayroon po tayong Presidente na ‘pag nagsalita siya at sinabi niya, gagawin at gagawin niya ‘yun…” 

[The President believes on the Filipinos’ capability… when the request for a trade fair was submitted, it’s not hard for the President to allow it, he does not need to think twice because we all have the same dream and faith on the Filipino capability… we have a President who abide in his words.] DG Oquiñena said. (RJB/MAPA/PIA-NCR)