More than just a cornucopia of regional delicacies from all over the Philippines, the upcoming Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair also offers learning opportunities for budding food entrepreneurs.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) with support from the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, the fair is scheduled from March 15-19 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
In addition to selling activities, there will be a program of cooking and craft demonstrations, as well as lectures. For instance, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) will discuss food technology to help SMEs upgrade their product quality and safety.
For those interested in organic/urban farming, the Pasay City Development Office will lecture on “Technology on Simple Nutrients Addition Program (SNAP) Hydroponics.”
Want to become a better cook? Chef Boy Logro is set to do a cooking demonstration courtesy of Baguio Cooking Oil. Other large food brands that are showcasing their products through handson cooking techniques are Clara Ole, Silver Swan, San Miguel Foods, and Ultima Entrepinoy. Meanwhile Bulacan Borlas de Pastillas will hold a craft demonstration.
The whole five-day food fair will be packed with learning opportunities for those who want to learn more about the food business, as well as for ordinary homemakers who just want to prepare better meals for their family.
Over 200 small and medium enterprises from all over the country have been carefully screened to ensure that they meet the stringent standards set by the DTI-BDTP, in keeping with the theme, “Piling-Piling Pagkaing Pilipino.”
As in previous years, the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair will highlight certain sectors. For this year, the special settings will include: (a) an organic products and hydroponics garden; (b) a halal-certified products pavilion of the Bicol region; and (c) a showcase of Zamboanga Peninsula’s selected products.
According to DTIBDTP Director Rhodora M. Leaño, “Through their exposure in the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair, our SMEs from the regions are upgrading their standards to be more competitive not just for domestic buyers but for the global market as well.”
Fair hours are from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Admission is free.
For more information, call (02) 7513223 or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.
