As part of the 31st anniversary of Business Affairs Office – OVCCA and the celebration of National Women’s Month, the first ever Women Entrepreneurs’ Trade Fair launches today at the Alumni Plaza, UPLB.
According to Joanne Vale, Administrative Officer IV of BAO, this trade fair is just in time to celebrate National Women’s Month. It targets to gather local businesses that are not just owned but also operated and led by women in Los Baños in order to promote and show support to the local businesswomen.
A total of 12 women entrepreneurs of Los Baños participated in the fair, namely Ana Papag of Ann’s Fab Kitchen & Jus Right; Cherrys Abrigo of Sierra’s Table; Jennie Contreras of Equation.PH; Butuin Esquivel of Homespun Cakes & Pastries; Malou Miranda of AC Sikhay; Gale S. Paligutan of LYFF; Analiza Robin of Bistro Saigon; Remedon Parala of RP Hotdog Store; Lara Parala of Lara’s Food Cart; Lorna Angeles of LOPA Winery; Putho-Maahas Women Trader’s Group; and Samahang Kababaihan ng Laguna.
FIRST DAY. Traders set up their booths for the first day of 2018 Women Entrepreneurs’ Trade Fair. Photo by: Eins Papera
Los Baños Councilor Hon. Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista opens the program with a message and talks about how the entrepreneurs involved in the trade fair work hard for their particular business. She also said that this activity will highlight women and the LGBTQ community. There will also be several advocacy-driven events that will take place.
GUEST OF HONOR. Hon. Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista gives opening message to the traders in the 2019 Women Entrepreneurs’ Trade Fair. Photo by: Jimeina Einzel Papera
In addition to that, Hon. Evangelista also said that this trade fair is “historic” since this is the very first time to hold a Women Entrepreneurs’ Trade fair. This event and the events that will follow are held in partnership with UPLB Gender Center and the Municipality of Los Baños, with help from the Gender and Development Center.
BAO will also host a forum on March 5, 9 am, entitled “Making Business Work for Women” that will highlight the role and contribution of women in entrepreneurship at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall, UPLB, where women entrepreneurs will be speaking.
The trade fair will run from March 2-6, 8 am to 10 pm, and is open to the public.