Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camarines Sur is showcasing the province's finest products, flavors, craftsmanship, and creativity at a four-day trade fair at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City, which runs until Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI Camarines Sur Director Jay Percival Ablan highlighted that 'Feria de Camarines' is being held for the first time at a major shopping destination. In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Ablan expressed that the fair is a celebration, bringing joy to people by introducing innovative products to the market. The event features local food products, fashion, crafts, home d©cor, wellness products, art pieces, and more, all crafted by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Ablan encouraged the public to support local artisans, emphasizing the authenticity of the products, described as "oragon," a Bicolano term for tough. The fair also spotlights La Vida Coco, showcasing the province's vibrant coconut industry with a range of coconut-based food and beverages, personal care items, home essentials, and sustainable innovations. Out of the 200 coconut entrepreneurs participating, 55 are MSMEs.

The trade fair also includes clothing with coconut accents, highlighting the evolution of coconut products beyond copra and oil. Fiorella Raphaelle Ouradnik, a three-year MSME exhibitor, shared that her cacao-based products support local raw materials and cacao farmers in Camarines Sur through the trade fair. She praised the DTI Kapatid Mentor Me program for its role in improving entrepreneurial skills, market reach, and business growth.

Another exhibitor, Ramoncito Tan, who produces edible oil, noted that the trade fair provides an avenue to promote their products both locally and nationally. Ablan reiterated that consumer support is crucial for boosting MSMEs' morale and fostering the growth of local economies.