During the recent Panublion Heritage Fair, which closed over the weekend in Iloilo City, the Department of Trade and Industry-Region VI recognized three Negros Occidental enterprises during the 2018 Panubli-on Heritage Awards.

Cristina Gaston of Hacienda Crafts was named SME (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise) of the year and Thelma Watanabe of Negros Silk Producers Association won the Heritage Award. Meanwhile, the Negros Silk Producers Association was named Best in Branding in the fashion category.

“We are happy that some of our MSMEs [were] recognized,” said DTI-Negros Occidental Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Mae Buaron. “They will, for sure, serve as inspiration to their fellow producers.”

According to Panubli-on Heritage Fair curator and creative director PJ Arañador, the event seeks to ensure tradition and heritage are not forgotten.

“We preserve our crafts,” he said. “We embrace our past to create today for tomorrow.”

The event featured a Christmas-themed visual merchandising contest, culinary table setting competitions, do-it-yourself crafts corner, coffee brewing, and daily fashion shows./WDJ