DTI 7 targets P7.5 million in Sinulog fair

AN official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cebu said the agency remains “hopeful” for the success of its annual Sinulog Fiesta Fair this year amid tighter security measures that may affect tourist arrivals following explosive incidents in Leyte.

In an interview, DTI Cebu Business Development Chief Elias Tecson said the local trade agency targets to generate P7.5 million sales in this year’s Sinulog Fiesta Fair that will run from Jan. 5 to Jan. 16 at the SM City Cebu Atrium.

During the Sinulog Fiesta Fair 2016, DTI registered P7.27 million in total sales, exceeding its P7 million target.

Early this week, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) Chief Nagiel Bañacia said authorities have raised security concerns for this year’s Sinulog festival following the bombing in Hilongos, Leyte.

Tecson said 82 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will participate in this year’s trade fair, almost double last year’s participants. The number of booths have also expanded from 60 booths to 84 booths this year.

Products to be showcased are processed food, home decor, wearables, and health and wellness products.

Meanwhile, enterprising Cebuanos at the gates of the Basilica del Sto. Niño de Cebu have started molding and selling Sto. Niño figurines as well as accepting repairs for old statuettes.

The Cebu City Government earlier told business establishments not to hold street parties within the 200-meter radius of the grand parade route to avoid stampedes.

For establishments like bars within the 200-m radius, the City will not prohibit them from holding parties, provided that they don’t go outside their premises.