SM City Bacolod launched “My City, My SM, My Crafts” to honor our local artisans and producers. Negrense producers are known for their creativity and craftsmanship and this is evident in the various products they have. This program is a partnership between SM Supermalls, the Bureau of Domestic Trade of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Star with support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
“My City, My SM, My Crafts” program promotes pride and appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity of local producers says Engr. Engiemar Tupas, Division Chief of DTI Negros Occidental. Tupas lauded SM for the project and he added that other big corporations should emulate the same project in order to promote local products not only in the country but in the world.
The local producers who are members of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) will be highlighted and their products will be displayed and sold at the Craft Market at the atrium of the SM City Bacolod Northwing until November 5. Mallgoers will have a glimpse of the world class products of Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts, Art Energy, Artisana Island Crfts, OISCA International, Kiculo, Papel Handicrafts, Crisvil Creatons, Yssa’s Crafts, Vivo Handmade Crafts, Negrense Volunteers for Change, Negros Nine Abaca Weavers, Silay Export and Vito Prints and Pieces.
The products of the featured producers were showcased at the launching through a mini fashion show and video interview with the producers were shown so that the audience will have an idea how they started in their business. No less than the pride of Bacolod, Ms. Analin Bantug of Miss Saigon introduced the artisans and producers in the video.
The ANP was organized by a group of housewives in the 80’s during the sugar crisis. The price of sugar in the world market dropped rock bottom and with the loss of the county’s sugar quota to the United States, Negros Island’s economy was devastated. A group of women, mostly wives of hacenderos, learned various crafts and hired their sugar workers so that they will have alternative livelihood. To some extent, the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Negrenses saved a lot of lives from hunger during the sugar crisis. The ANP has also helped communities in the Visayas which are devastated by Typhoon Yolanda by subcontracting and sourcing their raw materials from the communities.
Let us support our local economy by buying the products of our local producers. Visit the “My City, My SM, My Crafts” at SM City Bacolod Northwing to appreciate and take pride in the products of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.