MANILA, Philippines - Bicolandia is putting its best foot forward as the OK Bikol Association Inc. and the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism hold the annual Orgullo Kan Bikol-Gayon Bicol Trade and Tourism Fair at the SM Megatrade Hall, ongoing until Oct. 11.
Now on its 19th year, it is the longest running regional trade and travel fair which showcases the distinct products and tourist spots from the six provinces of Bicol.
DTI regional director Jocelyn Blanco said the expo is Bicolandia’s vehicle to develop home-grown entrepreneurs, especially exhibitors who are first-timers in the mainstream Manila market.
Since its inception, the exhibit has generated more than P150 million in sales, excluding other business transactions consummated after the event.
The expo was started by the DTI in 1996 as Orgullo Kan Bikol (Pride of Bicol) which initially displayed the cottage industries in the region. The DOT joined in 2001, leading to the synergy of trade and tourism.
Blanco said that with the support of the DTI, producers have developed world-class packaging for processed food products which have become more competitive in foreign markets. The DTI also supports micro, small and medium enterprises in product development by tapping local designers to assist OK Bikol merchants in creating new designs for their handicrafts.
OKB-Gayon Bicol is also supported by the various provincial, city and municipal local government units which will display their One Town, One Product (OTOP) specialties.
Among the products for sale are abaca products, furniture, home furnishings, fashion accessories, processed food and beverages, health and wellness concoctions, pili-based candies and delicacies and a wide assortment of novelty items.
Spicing up the fair are performances by Bicolano artists and provincial cultural groups.
DOT regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said that the expo will also highlight Bicol’s popular and emerging travel destinations and attractions.
To maximize the region’s trade and tourism potentials, the region has been clustered into the Almasor (Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon) Tourism Alliance and the Camarines Norte-Camarines Sur-Catanduanes (3C) Tourism Link.
With Albay province as anchor destination, Bicol is also known for its culinary tourism program which highlights its regional spicy cuisine.
With its diverse natural attractions, tourism events and accessibility, Bicol is among the regions which has posted the highest tourist arrivals in recent years.
For more information, log on to www.okbikol.wordpress.com.