Export fair seeks to generate more jobs for Filipinos

The Buy Pinoy Movement Foundation Inc. (BPMFI) will hold a trade fair to promote Filipino export products.

Dubbed the “16th Buy Pinoy Exporters Fair,” the event will be held Nov. 27-30 at the SM Megamall, Mega B Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City.

Marlane Villa-Real, president of the Buy Pinoy Movement Foundation, said now is the time for Filipino manufacturers to aggressively promote their products not only for exports but for local consumption as well. The fair will present Filipino products as the better alternative to imported products in the wake of the melamine scare in milk products from China and also the discovery of other imported inferior products such as toxic cosmetics, toxic plastic toys, fire hazard electrical fixtures and Christmas lights.

“The certainty of Filipinos losing their jobs abroad is there as the economic plunges in the wealthy nations. This is the time that our “Buy Pinoy Saves Jobs advocacy” is most needed. We should be entrepreneurs and generate jobs and we should buy locally-made products to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis on us Filipinos,” Villa-Real said.

“The fair is our answer to this crisis. We should lessen our dependence on imported goods and look at our own products for confidence. They are of high quality, creative, delectable, clean and affordably priced, whether they be foods, beverage, consumer goods, fashion accessories, as jewelry, durables, Christmas décor, garments and children’s goods. We should patronize Philippine-made products,” Villa-Real said.

The fair will showcase top quality export products under the Holiday Décor & Gifts, Food and Organic Products, Garments and Fashion Accessories, Houseware & Furniture. It aims to raise the level of consumer consciousness on the global competitiveness of Filipino made products, promote Filipino products locally and internationally through the conduct of trade fairs and fora, encourage indigenous talents and investors by showing them the advantages of locally-developed products and promote sustainable development.

To attract more exhibitors, the foundation has not increased its participation fees.

For more information contact the Buy Pinoy Foundation secretariat at tel/fax 833-5852 and 834-2712. Other officers of BPMFI are Ricardo Sales Jr., treasurer, Robert Samarita, corporate secretary and the board of trustees, Leonor Abella, Nora Lao, Roberto Amores, Albert De Vera, John Tan, Cecilia Ramos and Amaya Bengzon.