Guimaras Island EcoBazaar spotlights local products

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Guimaras and the Province of Guimaras unveiled the Guimaras Island EcoBazaar on April 24.

This year’s edition of the week-long EcoBazaar, spanning from April 24 to 30, is dedicated to highlighting the island’s array of products and enabling local producers to explore new markets.

Held at Robinsons Place in Iloilo City, the EcoBazaar serves as a precursor to May’s Manggahan Festival, which is being promoted as one of the country’s leading agricultural festivals.

The bazaar features 30 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from various industry clusters supported by the DTI. These include sectors such as processed fruits and nuts, cacao and coffee, wearables and homestyles, and agri-businesses focusing on mangoes and salt.

DTI-Guimaras Officer-In-Charge Juvy D. Benliro underscored the EcoBazaar’s impact on economic growth and the reinforcement of the MSME sector in her opening address.

“This activity is more than just a marketplace; it provides a crucial forum for active dialogue and partnership among exhibitors, buyers, and suppliers. It also contributes to robust economic growth by fostering sustainable development and reinforcing our MSMEs in Guimaras,” Benliro said.

The EcoBazaar has set a goal of generating P2.5 million in cash sales, orders, and pending negotiations, highlighting its increasing importance.

For over a decade, this event has been a key promotional platform for DTI-Guimaras, with previous events hosted in destinations such as Boracay, Greenbelt, Rockwell, and Makati.