OKB-Gayon Bicol trade fair 2012 generates P18.7M

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) -- A total of P18.7 million in sales was generated by the “Orgulyo kan Bikol (OKB) - Gayon Bikol" Regional Trade Fair in Manila this month.

The generated sales posted at least a 10 percent increase over the P17.015 million recorded in 2011.

Entrepreneurs and traders, comprising the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all over the Bicol region, were able to generate the amount through sales of local wares ranging from food, gifts and holiday decoration, home furnishings, marine products, organic and natural products and clothing.

Home furnishings products posted the highest sales with P6.96 million or 37 percent of the total sales.

A total of 98 Bicolano entrepreneurs participated in the fair, including the 21 new entries to the pool of traders.

“For this year, the trade fair highlights the evolution of Bayong in the special setting and in the daily fashion shows featuring bayong pamalengke, bayong pang eskwela, bayong pang opisina and bayong pang fashionista,” Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 5 said.

“The induction of the newly elected officers of the OKB Association, Inc. also took place during the opening ceremony with Atty. Leni Robredo as the inducting officer. Another highlight for this year’s fair was the OKB Café, which offers Bicol delicacies. We want the Bicol micro entrepreneurs to take center stage as they showcase the best homegrown products in the mainstream market,” she added.

Among the six provinces of Bicol, Camarines Sur earned the highest sales with P6.8 million.
Camarines Sur was followed by Albay with P4.1 million; Catanduanes with 2.9 million; Sorsogon and Camarines Norte with P2.2 million each; and Masbate with P.524 million.

OKB-Gayon Bicol RTF 2012, held from October 4-7, at SM Megamall provided opportunities for 98 home-grown entrepreneurs and developed and found new markets for their products. (MAL-PIA5/Albay)