Bacolod:The Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade Training Center (DTI-PTTC) launched the Lakbay Ensayo initiative in Bacolod City to celebrate Negrense arts and creativity. The event, held on Wednesday, marked the first stop in the Visayas for DTI-PTTC's efforts to bring creative learning and opportunities closer to communities across the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, PTTC-Global MSME Academy (GMEA) Executive Director Clare Mari Torralba stated that Bacolod was specifically chosen for its rich cultural heritage and status as a hub for creatives in Negros Occidental. The event took place at the SMX Convention Center, following previous editions in South Cotabato and Pampanga.

The initiative, themed 'Tuklasin, Linangin, Ipagmalaki Malikhaing Pilipino,' was a collaborative effort between PTTC-GMEA and DTI-Negros Occidental. It aimed to gather representatives from various creative industry domains, local government units, and stakeholders to foster Filipino creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program focused on enhancing the capabilities of local entrepreneurs and promoting Filipino-made products for wider recognition.

Lakbay Ensayo is structured around three key components 'Tuklasin The Creative Scene,' 'Linangin The Creative Enterprise,' and 'Ipagmalaki The Creative Showcase.' 'Tuklasin' features a video spotlighting the creative talents of a region, 'Linangin' offers enterprise development sessions, and 'Ipagmalaki' provides a platform for showcasing local creative works through various events.

In a message delivered by executive assistant Angelo Angolo, Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing guidance and opportunities for local artists to transform their talents into sustainable income. He highlighted that the program's pillars align with the city's goals of discovering talent, nurturing creativity, and showcasing Negrense achievements.