Sunday, January 20, 2008 Biz-group opposes trade fairs in Panagbenga
LOCAL businessmen allied with the Baguio-Benguet Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (BBCCII) remains firm in their stand that any trade fair should never be allowed in Baguio.
The group wants to include trade fairs sanctioned by the Baguio City Government every year, during the annual flower festival celebration (Panagbenga).
In its board resolution dated January 11, the BBCCII lamented the City Government's tolerance of trade fairs caused undue competition among legitimate businessmen, like them.
"Most of the trade fairs are being undertaken in the guise of social responsibilities of the organizers including market encounters conducted during Panagbenga events," a portion of the BBCCII resolution stated.
To this effect, the BBCCII suggested to the Panagbenga executive committee that instead of holding trade fairs in the upcoming Panagbenga, they should instead encourage business owners along Abanao, Harrison Road, Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue to beautify their frontages, consistent with the theme of the activity.
The BBCCII also suggested for the executive committee of the event to come up with activities which will help promote Baguio's business district and scenic sites like the Botanical Garden, the Prayer Mountain of Dominican Hill and Bayan Park in Aurora Hill.
The group said non government organizations, national government agencies and multinational companies, known to advertise in events such as the Panagbenga could be asked to adopt these parks and beautify them.
The Panagbenga executive committee earlier vowed they would only allow genuine trade fairs, not flea markets, as seen in previous celebrations. (RO)
