ABUCAY, Bataan – Aiming to boost small businesses, provide additional income opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and attract more tourists, the Municipality of Abucay launched Gastrofiesta: Tikim at Tinda, a Christmas food bazaar featuring a variety of local food offerings.
The bazaar features various food stalls attracting shoppers and families who gather to enjoy meals together as part of the Christmas festivities. It operates daily from 3:00 p.m. onwards until January.
In a message delivered by Ricardo Mendoza Jr., representing Mayor Erik Martel, he highlighted four key benefits of the initiative: providing income opportunities for local vendors, stimulating the town’s economy, offering a place for residents to enjoy, and promoting Abucay as a tourism destination.
He also expressed his gratitude to all participants, as well as the municipal tourism office, provincial tourism office, and other partners who helped make the event possible.
Meanwhile, tourism officer Genel Llanes emphasized the importance of recording sales and other operational data throughout the bazaar’s more than two-month run. These records will help assess the program’s effectiveness and serve as a basis for similar projects by the local and provincial governments.
Dr. Danica Lolita Tigas-Rodriguez, for her part, stressed that Gastrofiesta goes beyond generating income. She said the initiative also celebrates Filipino and Bataeño culture through shared meals, spreads the spirit of Christmas, and creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The bazaar is expected to draw more visitors from different towns across Bataan, further promoting Abucay’s local economy, culture, food, and tourism. (30)
