Enjoy the best products from the Visayas region from 2 to 6 April in SM Megamall.

The spirit of resilience and help lives on today almost 150 days after typhoon Yolanda hit the Visayas region as survivors participate in a trade fair in Metro Manila.

From 2 to 6 April, products from businesses based in Yolanda-hit areas will be featured in ‘Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya’ at the SM Megamall. Products for sale will include processed food, wines, hand-made crafts, accessories, bags, furniture and many more that form the backbone of the pasalubong industry in Visayas.

DOT Regional Director of Region 8 Karina Tiopes said ‘We’re slowly working towards getting back at where we were before.

‘”Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya” is a very significant event because it’s a milestone (event) for our local producers, it stands for their being resilient, strong, and having the result to really rise back and make a difference.’

Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Junior said the trade fair shows the determination of the local producers to show that they are still ‘alive and kicking.’

‘Ipinakikita nila sa mga suppliers nila, sa mga buyers nila na sila ay back. We can still look at the area, although devastated as something where we can source some of the things that we are buying.’

The trade fair was led by the Office of the President and implemented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) and PhilExport Eastern Visayas Association Incorporated (PEVAI).

Producer Cenon Policarpio meanwhile expressed his thanks to the president, saying ‘Nagpapasalamat kami sa pangulo na natupad na ang pangarap namin at naibigay niya ang hinihingi namin na tulong sa kanya na matulungan niya kami para makapag showcase kami ng products namin.’

(Photo by pinoyadventurista.com)