Hundreds of sari-sari store and restaurant owners, operators, and suppliers of catering services trooped to the first ever Sari-Sari Store and Livelihood Fair at the CSI Jimmy L. Fernandez Center in Dagupan City that opened Friday, for a chance to interact with each other. 

The three-day event, highlighted by exhibits of products popularly sold at sari-sari stores, the local convenience store commonly found just about anywhere around the country, was opened with prominent government officials and entertainment personalities  in attendance.

      Mrs. Gina de Venecia, wife of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Dagupan City Mayor Al Fernandez, former San Fernando City, Agoo, LU Mayor Maryjane Ortega and San Carlos City Vice Mayor Joseres Resuello led the formal opening.

Dagupan Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez organized and hosted the first such fair in Northern Luzon.

Movie and television star Shaina Magdayao led the array of entertainers from Manila that included  Heart Evangelistra, Kim Chui, Gelli de Belen, Ai-Ai de las Alas and Mickey Ferriols.

Dragon dancers entertained early buyers while charming muses of wine products stole the eyes of many.

Vice Mayor Fernandez, president and general manager of the CSI Group of Companies, paid tribute to sari-sari stores, describing them as reliable emergency sources of food and basic commodities anywhere in the Philippines.

Ortega lauded Vice Mayor Fernandez for initiating the event and for her proven entrepreneurial skills that enabled her to open up several shopping malls and supermarkets, one of them in San Fernando City.

Mayor Fernandez cited the fair’s total approach package which includes an inventory of everything that must be in a sari-sari store, complemented by a seminar for small-scale entrepreneurs, even using modules, for them to survive in their business.

In her speech, Mrs. de Venecia said the Sari-Sari Store Fair turns the spotlight on the popular products of Dagupan and the entire Northern Luzon.—LM

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