THE EXECUTIVE committee of the Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet declared a failure of bidding for trade fair.
Bidders Bertha Elwas, Jovy Ann Martin, and Maribel Chagwaten failed to win the bid for the trade fair after failing to comply with the different requirements set by the municipality.
"There was a failure of bidding due to some submission of requirements especially the tax regional clearance, instead, they have submitted affidavit of tax compliance certificate which was signed by BIR," said La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda.
Salda, who chairs the executive committee, said at least P3.2 million is needed for the 45 day trade fair with 139 stalls comprised of 52 food and 87 non-food stalls with a land area of 2.5x 2.5 meters.
The mayor added the three bidders are still qualified to re-bid on February 7 provided they submit the lacking requirements.
Others are still welcome for the rebidding next month and must submit provincial tax clearance in lieu of regional tax clearance, business permit, DTI or SEC registration, regional court clearance, Municipal Treasury Clearance and an individual affidavit.
The Strawberry Festival executive committee adapted the holding of a commercial trade fair under the Strawberry Festival Ordinance to finance the different events and activities of the festival.
Once the announcement of the winning bid is made, the winner immediately deposits the amount to the municipal treasury after the execution of applicable memorandum of agreement.
Aside from trade fair, highlights for the annual Strawberry Festival are the street dancing, drum and lyre competition, and the float parade set on March 17 and 18.