Negros Trade Fair opens at SM Aura with 123 booths

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Trade Fair, the country’s longest-running provincial trade event in Metro Manila, opens its 39th edition today, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at SM Aura in Taguig City.

This year’s theme, Himbon—a Hiligaynon term meaning “to gather”—underscores the fair’s goal of bringing communities together and highlighting the diverse products of the Negros Island Region, said NTF chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares in a press briefing Tuesday at Café Uma.

Colmenares said the NTF is organized annually by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and continues to serve as a key platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their goods.

With the fair’s move to a larger venue, organizers anticipate a stronger turnout from both buyers and visitors.

The trade fair was previously held at the Glorietta Activity Center, but due to the growing number of participants and exhibitors, organizers opted to relocate to accommodate the expansion.

“Having a bigger venue allows us to welcome more people who want to discover what Negros has to offer,” Colmenares said.

ANP President Christina Gaston said the fair is aimed at helping local entrepreneurs connect with a wider market and gain increased exposure.

For the first time, the fair will also prominently feature exhibitors from Negros Oriental and Siquijor following the reestablishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Colmenares confirmed that this year’s edition will host 123 booths, citing increased participation from local government units across the region.

She said products from participating LGUs, alongside regional tourist destinations, will be featured throughout the event.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is also taking part in the fair to promote regional skills development and livelihood programs.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental has provided a PHP 5 million subsidy to support the ANP and the trade fair, reinforcing its commitment to regional economic development.

Now in its 39th year, the Negros Trade Fair remains a vital platform for promoting sustainable, authentic, and locally made products while strengthening the cultural identity and entrepreneurial resilience of the Negros region.

Joining the press briefing with Colmenares and Gaston were Capitol PIO Charina Magallanes-Tan, Arima Committee head Joey Gaston, and Donata Fashion Sector head Kate Singson.