2023 National Food Fair draws strong support for food entrepreneurs • PhilSTAR Life

The 2023 National Food Fair ended on a high note after a five-day run from July 12 to 16 at the Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Based on preliminary reports, the fair generated sales amounting to P28.271 million (cash, booked, and under nego) for the 268 onsite exhibitors. The event also drew in 29,000 fairgoers.

At the opening ceremony, Speaker of the House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez noted the P1.2-billion 2023 National Budget allocation to fund micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) programs. He also reiterated Congress’ continued commitment to advance policies that support Filipino MSMEs.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda also sent her well wishes via a video message saying, “This activity is highly impactful in enhancing and solidifying connections with the MSME community that will facilitate their economic growth.”

The 2023 National Food Fair Opening Festivities held last July 12 were led by (L-R): The Speaker of the House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, When in Manila chief operating officer Sky Gavin, DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Marievic Bonoan, food entrepreneur and content creator Nina Bacani, and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

In his keynote address, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual expressed his confidence in attaining the “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan” goals as part of the midterm Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“One of the programs of the department is to spur an entrepreneurial revolution and encourage the growth of MSMEs through market access programs, as well as e-commerce and digitalization initiatives,” he said.

Organized by the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in coordination with the DTI Regional Operations Group, the 2023 National Food Fair had a simultaneous online version on the Lazada e-commerce platform with over a hundred exhibitors. The show was also supported by Shopee and TikTok in terms of promotions.

TABACO CITY CUTLERY PRODUCTS are showcased at the 2023 National Food Fair. The trade event was graced by (L-R): DTI-BDTP Director Marievic Bonoan, Libyan Minister Abdunaser Aturki, Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Industria Edition Creative Director Jude Tiotuico, and Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute.

Showcasing the fusion of tradition and innovation, special settings, pavilions, and MSME clusters drew attention to developments that elevate traditional Filipino products to meet stringent food industry standards and be competitive in the global market. There were also entrepreneurship talks and learning sessions that provided food entrepreneurs with resources and ideas on how to strengthen and position their businesses for continued growth.

For culinary enthusiasts, renowned Filipino chefs conducted cooking and food preparation demonstrations, among others. The highlight of the 2023 National Food Fair was a celebration of the diversity and rich heritage of Filipino food through an interactive cultural presentation of the BARMM Pagana Maguindanao led by Mustafa Ala and Chef Yed Dimaporo.

For those who missed the activities, these were livestreamed and remain accessible on BDTP’s Facebook page.

Up next in the DTI-BDTP calendar of events is the 2023 National Trade Fair, scheduled from August 23 to 27 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall.

For inquiries, follow DTI-BDTP's social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by BDTP.

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