The Bicol Region put its best foot forward once again as the OK Bikol Association Inc., and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), held the 20th Orgullo Kan Bikol (OKB) -Gayon Bicol Trade and Tourism Fair at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall on Oct. 6-9.
According to DOT regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla, the expo was Bicol region’s vehicle in developing homegrown entrepreneurs, especially those targeting the Manila market for the first time.
A total of 108 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and seven Institutional exhibitors took part in this year’s edition.
One Product specialties of local government units
Started in 1996 as Orgullo Kan Bikol (Bikol’s Pride), it is the longest running regional trade and travel fair which showcases the distinct products and tourist spots in the region now considered among the country’s fastest growing regions.
It displayed the region’s cottage industries and generated some P200 million in actual receipts, excluding business transactions consummated after the show.
With the support of DTI, producers have developed world-class packaging for export quality processed food products. DTI also supports MSMEs in product development by tapping local designers to assist merchants in creating new designs for their handicrafts.
The DOT joined the trade fair in 2001, to synergize trade and tourism.
OKB-Gayon Bicol has been supported by the various provincial, city and municipal local government units that display their One Town, One Product (OTOP) specialties, such as abaca products, home furnishings, fashion accessories, health and wellness concoctions, pili-based candies, and novelty items.
According to Ra vanilla, the fair also featured processed food and beverage products certified Halal by the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, making them more competitive in the global market.
The expo highlighted Bicol’s popular and new travel destinations. In recent years, Bicol has posted the highest tourist arrivals among all the regions due to its diverse natural attractions, festivals, and accessibility from Manila and the Visayas.
With Albay province as gateway and anchor destination, the region has been clustered into the Almasor (Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon) Tourism Alliance, and the Camarines Norte-Camarines Sur-Catanduanes (3C) Tourism Link.
Spicing up the four-day fair were performances by the CamSur Cultural Dancers, the All Star Band of Legazpi City, MAG Dancers of Iriga City, and surprise entertainment numbers and guest appearances from Bicolano artists and celebrities.