NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Highlighting polarized communities to display their locally-produced products is not just a powerful way to provide them with sustainable livelihoods. It also plays a crucial role in promoting peace. Peace in the hinterlands of Negros has been a decade-long aspiration for nearly every sector of the community.
However, the government’s failure to address various societal issues has led to social unrest, making the province vulnerable to rebel recruitment. But with the unfolding of the 38th Negros Trade Fair (NTF), to be held from September 17 to 22 at the Glorietta 2 Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City, five associations under the province’s Balik-Salig program will showcase their locally-woven products, converting their communities to haven of peace. Must Read Negros Occidental’s former conflict zones bloom into art hubs The associations include Camingawan Diversified Workers Association (CADIWA) in Kabankalan City, the Madaha Hand Weavers Association (MAHAWA) of Himamaylan City, the Sitio Maatop Community of Hinobaan town, the Barangay Riverside Upland Famers Association (BRUFA) of Isabela town, and the Kapatiran Community of Don Salvador Benedicto town.
38th NTF co-chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares said that this year’s trade fair theme is “ Halad ,” which means offering in Hiligaynon. The event will feature an impressive array of 105 booths showcasing exquisite Negros-made food products, crafts, clothes, and home-style ite.
