Region 8 trade fair generates PHP28-M sales

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- The Bahandi 2016 Regional Trade Fair has generated PHP28.07 million sales, surpassing its target, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported on Tuesday.

Joined by 111 Eastern Visayas producers, the trade fair at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 5 to 9, exceeded the PHP15 million target sales for selling products such as processed food items, decors, handicrafts, furniture, furnishings, and fashion accessories.

“In Region 8, our producers have limited market. We have to bring them to Manila to link them with institutional buyers,” said DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras.

Of the PHP28.07 million generated sales, PHP18.22 million was earned by Leyte producers, PHP384,370 by Southern Leyte exhibitors, PHP202,882 by Biliran entrepreneurs, PHP4 million by Samar traders, PHP3.93 million by Eastern Samar producers, and PHP1.43 million by Northern Samar exhibitors.

Broken down to sales category, PHP3.77 million are cash, PHP13.53 million booked, and PHP1.43 million under negotiation.

“For booked sales and under negotiation, it’s up to producers how to follow up with prospective buyers. We brought with us many new producers, bringing in new products. They learned a lot through engagement with buyers,” Nierras said.

This year’s Bahandi (the local term for treasure) is anchored on the theme “Promoting Pride…Inspiring Innovation…Celebrating Change.” It was meant to showcase the momentum that has driven Eastern Visayas producers in their recovery from the 2013 disaster.

The annual trade fair was launched in 1998 as a strategy to help micro small and medium enterprises grow their business.

The event was made possible through a partnership of DTI, United States Agency for International Development, Great Women Project, BAHANDI Producers Association of Eastern Visayas, Inc., the Regional Development Council, and the Department of Tourism regional office. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO