(L-R) Philippine Consul General Ezzedin Tago in Sydney, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega and Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale officially opened the Bicol Trade and Tourism Expo 2019 on 26 October at the Blacktown City Civic Plaza.

SYDNEY, Australia (31 October 2019) – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega delivered the keynote remarks at the opening of the Bicol Trade and Tourism Expo held on 26 October at the Blacktown City Civic Plaza. The Ambassador underscored the 8.9 percent growth of the Bicol region in 2018 making it one of the fastest growing regions in the Philippines.

The Bicol Trade and Tourism Expo was organized by the Blactown City-based Bicol Communities League Inc. The Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Sydney and the Philippine Department of Tourism Sydney were key partners in promoting the best of Bicol during the expo. The PTIC organized a showcase of Bicol products such as the flagship product pili nut which is exported to the US, Canada, Germany and the Middle East. Abaca products such as handbags and home decors were also on display.

PDOT Sydney promoted Bicol destinations such as Caramoan Islands, Cagsawa Ruins, Spanish Galleon wreck and whale shark spotting. – END