By Johan Mae S. Galati
LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET —The Strawberry Festival Trade Fair officially opened on March 10,2026 in La Trinidad Benguet, marking the start of weeks filled with activities, local products, and community celebration. The event gathered residents, visitors, and local officials who showed their support for one of the municipality’s most anticipated festivals.
Joining the opening program were Municipal Administrator Atty. Franco Bawang Jr., Executive Secretary Atty. Delmar Cariño, and councilors Belmer Elis, Jayson Dangwa, Bartolome Baldas Jr., Tyrone Diaz, and Richard Wacnisen, who joined the community in welcoming the opening of the trade fair events.
The opening night was filled with entertainment as local performers Selina Joycee and Elixir, El Sarlipan, Isko Macgui-ing, Right on the Spot, Anido, and Baguio Gold took the stage.
Beyond the entertainment, organizers highlighted the important role of the trade fair in supporting the entire Strawberry Festival. According to La Trinidad Municipal Councilor Hon. Belmer Elis, the trade fair serves as the main funding source for many of the festival’s activities and competitions.
“We’re having trade fair because this is the funding source of the whole activities of the one month long activity of the Strawberry Festival. Dito po nanggagaling ang ating fund that is worth 6 million kung saan manggagaling ang mga prizes po natin sa iba’t ibang activities,” Elis explained.
He further stressed its importance, saying, “Without the trade fair, no Strawberry Festival will be happening.”
While the Strawberry Festival is known as a community celebration, Elis shared that the municipality is also ready to welcome tourists and visitors who wish to experience the event.
“Strawberry Festival is a community event but ready na po tayo to invite tourists, our visitors, guests, to come and visit also La Trinidad for them to enjoy and witness the grandest celebration of Strawberry Festival. Come and taste the sweetness, come and taste kung ano iyong mga strawberries natin, not only the strawberries but a lot of activities,” he said.
Running from March 10 until May 10, the trade fair will span a total of 60 days and feature numerous events prepared for the public.
Marketing Manager and Event Organizer Jherwan P. Copa of the La Trinidad Business and Industry Federation shared that a wide range of activities are lined up during the celebration.
“From March 10 to May 10, 60 days po iyon. Magkakaroon po tayo ng 40 events so maraming events ang ma expect ng spectators natin especially iyong locals at mga turista natin,” Copa said.
Aside from the activities, the trade fair will also showcase products made by local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Cordillera region.
“Aasahan natin dito ngayong iyong mga vendors natin iyong mga local products na galing mismo dito sa Benguet. May mga damit, may mga coffee, and mga local na produkto ng Cordillera,” he added.
Visitors can also explore a variety of food and dry goods offered by vendors throughout the fairgrounds. Event Organizer Melanie Kimbungan shared that the trade fair features a total of 124 stalls that will remain open until May 10. She also encouraged the public to take part in the competitions, seminars, and training sessions that are part of the festival’s activities.
“We are offering of course cash prizes for the different competitions and for the training and seminars we have certificates and we invited prestigious speakers po natin. In fact we have speakers from Australia this April 16 for the Tourism and Hospitality activities natin,” Kimbungan shared.
The opening program concluded with a grand fireworks display sponsored by Bumeska Events and the La Trinidad Business and Industry Federation, marking the first fireworks show ever held in the history of the Strawberry Festival celebrations.
With 60 days of festivities, 40 events lined up, and 124 stalls offering a variety of products, the Strawberry Festival Trade Fair promises a lively celebration for both locals and visitors. Everyone is encouraged to visit La Trinidad, explore the trade fair, and take part in the many activities prepared throughout the festival. Stay tuned for more updates as the celebration continues.