by Edg Adrian A. Eva, Correspondent
The Quezon City government inaugurated an eco-friendly-themed POP QC (Proudly Original Products of Quezon City) Fair in Cubao on Friday, highlighting micro and small enterprises that advocate for sustainability.
This three-day affair, held from March 21 to 23 at Farmers Plaza in Quezon City, congregated ten local micro and small enterprises promoting environmentally conscious business methods.
“The purpose of this initiative is to provide micro and small businesses with a venue for unrestricted market exposure to display their innovative and distinctive merchandise,” articulated Paulo P. Borres, acting Head of the Business Resource Division of the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO).
“Ito rin ay para sa pagdiriwang ng Earth Hour [This is also for the celebration of Earth Hour].”
Mr. Borres highlighted that during the fair, participating businesses would receive complimentary space in the mall as well as access to discussions on resource efficiency, fundamental composting, and the sustainable use of energy and water.
For Naida M. Magno, proprietor of Naida’s Handicrafts, the POP QC Fair provides a critical platform for marketing her handmade goods crafted from plastic string straws.
“Mahalaga talaga ito kasi ito lang ang inaasahan namin, sa ganitong bazaar ni Mayor… Kaya kapag nasa bahay kami, gawa lang kami nang gawa para may handa (kaming paninda), kung sakaling kami ay tawagan [This is very significant as we primarily depend on the Mayor’s bazaar. So, when we are at home, we continuously produce items to have them available in case we are contacted,” Ms. Magno conveyed during an interview.
She also mentioned that this marks her fifth invitation, and she anticipates more local trade fairs in the future.
Advocating for POP QC fairs
In addition to the POP QC Fair at Farmers Plaza, the QC-SBCDPO is also coordinating similar trade events at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Mr. Borres encourages consumers to participate in these initiatives as a means of supporting local MSMEs, which account for 99% of registered businesses in Quezon City.
“By backing their small businesses, we also contribute to the growth of our economy,” Mr. Borres stated.
“I am extending an invitation to everyone to support our small enterprises here at our POP QC Sustainability Eco-Fair… Let’s also back their sustainability endeavors.”
Though Mr. Borres refrained from revealing the revenue target for the current fair, he did mention that the previous Women’s Month-themed POP QC Fair, which took place from March 12 to 16 at the nearby Gateway Mall 1, achieved nearly P500,000 in sales.
