Bishop Gainza Trade Fair launched in Naga city

More than 80 exhibitors are expected to attend the Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair in Naga city this year, as part of the activities lined up for the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia celebration.

This was confirmed by Fr. Marc Real, BFGT Project Director during the Press launch of the said project this morning at the Trade Fair venue, Elias Angeles Street, here.

"We are bringing the fair to downtown Naga where the action and excitement of Peñafrancia celebration happens. The fair site will be just a few meters away from the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral where thousands of devotees of Ina flock during the festivities," Real added.

Last year, the trade fair organizer was lauded by participating entities as it recorded huge sales and has gained strong support from its stakeholders. Partakers were mostly Bicolano entrepreneurs whose line of business is aligned with processed foods, decors, and furniture, housewares, organic and natural products, and souvenir items.

This year, the seven-day trade extravaganza will feature not only food processors and handicraft makers but will also invite consolidators and franchise businesses. Added attractions are the inclusion of agricultural products, tourism facilities and vehicles. Contests will be introduced to encourage people from all walks of life. Entrepreneurial trainings including managerial and vocational courses will also be offered with minimal fees.

The Archdiocese of Caceres, the event's organizer, through the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc. (CASAFI) is certain that with these new innovations they will integrate on the side, they will be able to attract more people from all walks of life to be part of the trade event.

The activity aims to provide an opportunity to aspiring small and medium entrepreneurs to introduce and market their products in the Bicol region. With devotees and pilgrims coming from various parts of the country, there is a great possibility that local wares will also reach other markets, even outside the country.

The fair trade is set to start on September 6, a day before the Traslacion, with highlights culminating on the 16th during the Feast day of our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Patroness of Bicolandia. - PIA — ARA