Iza Aldana
Feb 19, 2026
Marikina lawmaker says food fairs must deliver income—not just festivities—especially as jobs remain scarce
CONCEPCION UNO, MARIKINA CITY — The opening of the Banchetto in Barangay Concepcion Uno is more than a neighborhood celebration; it is a deliberate livelihood intervention, according to District 2 Rep. Atty. Miro Quimbo.
Quimbo said that amid rising living costs and limited employment opportunities, communities need spaces that provide rest, unity, and—most critically—income. “A fiesta is not enough if there is no livelihood,” he stressed, framing the Banchetto as a venue where enjoyment and earnings go hand in hand.
The lawmaker underscored that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain the backbone of the economy, noting that nine out of ten business owners nationwide operate small enterprises. With formal jobs unable to absorb everyone, Quimbo said entrepreneurship has become a practical pathway for many families.
According to him, roughly 40 percent of his office’s work is focused on helping residents start and sustain small businesses—through mentoring, exposure, and access to markets. “We don’t just give fish; we teach people how to fish,” Quimbo said, adding that Marikeños’ work ethic and resourcefulness make them well-suited for entrepreneurship, provided they are given the right platform.
As prices of goods continue to climb, Quimbo emphasized the importance of incentives and real selling opportunities for vendors. Events like the Banchetto, he said, allow small entrepreneurs to showcase their products, sell directly to customers, and generate immediate income—returns that go beyond promises or short-term assistance.
Quimbo also said his office remains open to assisting vendors who seek help, particularly residents of Marikina. He credited the success of the event to the initiative of Concepcion Uno SK Chair Yuri Edullan, who spearheaded the organization of the Banchetto.
In closing, Quimbo invited the public to join the celebration of the Aglipay feast in Concepcion Uno—the oldest barangay in the city’s Second District. His message was clear: Concepcion Uno is not just celebrating tradition, but demonstrating how community, enterprise, and shared effort can move forward together.