LEGAZPI CITY -- A year after a decade of service to Bicolano entrepreneurs, Orgullo Kan Bikol (OK Bikol) Regional Trade Fair, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has gone beyond an annual marketing event for Bicol Region’s fine products and distinct food delicacies.

        It has become a central platform to showcase the region’s heritage, to demonstrate Bicolano resilience and to uphold Bicolano pride as OK Bikol again takes center stage on October 11-14, at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

        DTI Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn L.B. Blanco said “all these, as we bring to fore Bicol’s socio-economic potentials, trade/industry and tourism opportunities for valued partners, stakeholders and concerned individuals and institutions”.

        As in the past, this fair focuses on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and highlights the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) convergence program of the government.

        Blanco said this event becomes even more significant this year with the special participation of Gayon Bikol Fiesta of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Region V, which likewise brings to fore Bicol’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and the region’s tourist destinations.

        “The four-day event will feature renowned Bicolano singers, show bands and cultural groups as well as audio-visual presentations of the six province’s tourist destinations and festivals,” according to DOT Bicol Regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla.

        Since OK Bikol is a selling fair, 90 manufacturers will sell their wares ranging from home furnishings, giftware and holiday décor, wearables, to fresh and processed food products, organic and natural products, cutlery and furniture.

        The biggest number of participants will come from the province of Albay with 26 followed by Camarines Sur with 17 participants and Sorsogon with 13 participants. The provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Masbate have 12, nine, and seven participants respectively. Moreover, each province will have a booth for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

        Blanco added “for this year, we hope to surpass last year’s P12 million sales. With the wide array of products that have undergone product development, there is less doubt we will not meet our sales target.”

        In line with product development this year, 18 manufacturing firms were recipients of the services of the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) and 24 firms were assisted by the members of the Bicol Designers Association, Inc. (BIDEAS), an organization of Bicolano designers whose noble purpose is to help Bicolano manufacturers come up with new and interesting products that will generate sales.

        The opening program on October 11 at the Magatrade Hall 1, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City will be highlighted by the induction of the new set of officers of the Bicol Designers Association, Inc. and awarding of the 2006 Top Three Sellers.

        OK Bikol-Gayon Bikol ‘07 is sponsored by the DTI-V, DOT-V, OK Bikol Association, Inc., and Philexport Bicol chapter. (ITCabañes, DTI/PIA)