TACLOBAN CITY,(PNA) — The Bahandi 2015 Regional Trade Fair has generated PHP24 million sales this year, surpassing the target, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Eastern Visayas regional office reported.

Joined by 88 exhibitors, the trade fair at SM Megamall on Sept. 2 to 6, exceeded the PHP13 million target sales for showcasing products such as processed food items, decors, handicrafts, furniture, furnishings, fashion accessories as well as tourism destinations.

“We brought back to Manila to show to everyone that small and medium entrepreneurs in Region 8 are back to business, transact with old buyers and connect with new buyers,” said DTI Regional Director Cynthia R. Nierras.

“There was leveling up in terms of quality and packaging for this year’s showcase.”

Of the PHP23.99 million generated sales, PHP9.57 million was earned by Leyte producers, PHP5.06 million by Southern Leyte exhibitors, PHP151,900 by Biliran entrepreneurs, PHP3.39 million by Samar traders, PHP3.07 million by Eastern Samar producers, and PHP2.73 million by Northern Samar exhibitors.

Broken down to sales category, PHP4.55 million were cash, PHP7.68 million were booked, and PHP1.76 million were negotiated.

The Bahandi 2015 is the first regional trade fair of its kind after super typhoon Yolanda ravaged Eastern Visayas, affecting thousands of small and medium enterprises in the region. The annual trade fair was launched in 1998.

This year’s trade fair is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Regional Development Council.

Even after Bahandi, selling of Eastern Visayas continue through exhibit showcased at the DTI OTOP (One Town, One Product) Makati Showroom until Sept. 25. (PNA)
JBP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO