Feature:

Gainza Trade Fair - an enterprising venue for aspiring entreps

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) -- Accruing an approximate P5.6 million earnings for its participants last year, the Bishop Gainza Trade Fair is expecting another overwhelming support as it continues to attract devotees, pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

Gainza Trade Fair showcases wares and various products of the different producers, handicraft makers and all fields of enterprises at the SM City grounds here in time for the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Penafrañcia.

Since its opening last September 12, the trade fair has already become a venue for entrepreneurs trying to promote their merchandise and what-have-you. It has also provided a break for small and medium enterprises to shine and introduce their products not only to the domestic arena but also to a wider market.

The event, organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres, in cooperation with the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc (CASAFI), aims to revive the spirit of fair trade and local entrepreneurship made prominent by Bishop Francisco Gainza in 1875.

It also intends to promote locally-made products while educating and enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of its participants.

Fr. Marc Real, trade fair project director, has reiterated that this activity is simply different as compared to other existent or similar pursuits since its interest is anchored on its apostolic mission.

As clearly stated in its vision, the Gainza trade fair is likened to a community of disciples alleviating poverty through entrepreneurship and solidarity towards the promotion of their community.

This year’s fair will offer variety of choices for typical Bicolano buyers, including their guests who will have a chance to rummage through furniture, gifts, toys, housewares, ready to wear garments, accessories, organic and natural products, souvenir items , religious items and even institutional and tourism services.

Buyers will also have to chance to have a glimpse of other products and items coming from Rizal, Laguna, Paranaque and Quezon City who also took the chance to be a part of the 2nd holding of BGTF.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) meanwhile has also lend its professional and skilled resource persons to enhance the skills of the participants by engaging their time in various trainings and seminars on organic farming, and the importance of implementing the 3Rs of considering our environment: Reduce, Reuse and Recyle.

Bishop Gainza Trade Fair is also made possible in collaboration with the Consuelo Chito Madrigal Foundation, Inc., Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, and other private organizations. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Distribution of certified seeds to affected farmers continue

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, September 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol continues its assistance to farmers affected by typhoon Juaning through the distribution of certified seeds.

The seed distribution, according to DA information officer Emiliana Bordado, was started in August 1 and is hoped to reach all concerned farmers by September 30.

DA is subsidizing 50 percent of the cost of the 40 kilogram sack certified seeds.

Until yesterday, September 15, DA-attached agency National Food Authority has prioritized affected farmers in the remaining five percent stock of certified seeds under the rapid supply financing distribution project to tillers who suffered losses.

Bordado said the 103 percent rice sufficiency level attained by the region last year may be affected as 75 percent of farmlands in Bicol were devasted by Juaning in July.

These areas, mostly submerged underwater, were in the towns of Nabua, Baao, Bula, San Fernando, Milaor, Minalabac, and Gainza in Camarines Sur and the third district of Albay particularly Libon and Polangui.

The department is also pushing farmers to enroll in the crop insurance of the government as a fallback. DA is studying a plan to assume part of the cost of the insurance with Bicol as a pilot area.

Per the full damage report culled by the DA Bicol, a total of 62,132 farmers of palay, corn and high value crops experienced losses. A total of 59,267 hectares were damaged with an estimated volume of 94,100 metric tons equivalent to P347,155 million.

The same report revealed that 416 heads of livestock estimated at P209 million while the fishery sector particularly 128 fishery operators and aquamarine stations suffered a corresponding P2 million damages. Destruction of communal irrigation facilities was estimated at P255 million. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

NTC to conduct one-day mobile registration and licensing

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 16 (PIA) -- The National Telecommunication Commission regional office V will conduct a "One Day Mobile Registration and Licensing" for 2011 on September 21 at Provincial Capitol Dome here.

The activity aims to register, legalize and license all unregistered radio transceivers being used and operated by different government and private agencies or individuals in the province.

NTC's services will accept and process all application for license of new or for renewal radio communication network and operator certificates, registration and licensing of all types of two-way radio equipment including mobile phone (cell phone) dealer, retailer and service centers and shall be releasing corresponding permits and license on the same day.

An orientation and seminar on radio laws, rules and regulations, licensing procedures and proper handling and maintenance of radio equipment will be held on the same day. Participants may apply and shall be issued a Restricted Land Mobile Radio Operators Certificate.

They shall also be receiving applications for blocking/unblocking of sim cards/ cell phones and complaints on text scam, illegal and malicious text and text spam.

Expected to attend during the activity are all radio communication transmitter and transceiver equipment users, telecom/broadcast and cable operators and all types of commercial and non-commercial radio operators license. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)