BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
Joemer has been a dealer and seller of local souvenirs for almost four years.
He says trade fairs greatly help promote their products, like the Baguio Blooms Market Encounter, which is part of this year’s Panagbenga Festival celebrations.
Johnraye, who sells clothes, shares the same sentiment. He hopes for higher sales, especially with the large crowd at Burnham Park.
This souvenir item costs three for 100 pesos at the Market Encounter, part of the Panagbenga Festival.
The question is: how does this differ from regular shops, and how does it affect long-standing business owners in Baguio City?
This is a major challenge for Cristine, who has been selling clothes at the Maharlika Livelihood Complex for two years.
Every February, she worries about potential losses due to the sudden rise of trade fairs.
She adds that their monthly rental fees add to the burden.
Nevertheless, they remain hopeful to recover in the coming months.
However, according to the city government, the BFFFI is legally permitted to organize trade fairs during Panagbenga.
The BFFFI also stated that Panagbenga activities significantly impact the city’s economy.
The Market Encounter will run until March 2 this year.
