After winning the provincial level crown, the Bongabong Public Market has been named Regional Champion in the inaugural Pamilihang Bayan ng Bidang Mamimili (PBBM) Awards, recognizing excellence in consumer-friendly markets across the MIMAROPA region.

The award, presented Thursday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, exhibits the market’s innovative digital commerce system, including the “E-Palengke” platform that enables residents to order goods online for home delivery.

“This recognition validates our efforts to modernize local commerce while maintaining the traditional values of our public market,” Bongabong Mayor Elgin Malaluan told attendees at the ceremony.

The E-Palengke program is part of the municipality’s eBongabong digital governance strategy, designed at improving access to essential services for the town’s residents.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Rodolfo J. Mariposque praised the market’s achievements during the ceremony, which drew local government officials from across the region.

The Bongabong Public Market’s digital platform allows local consumers to purchase products through their mobile phones, with items delivered directly to their homes — a one-of-a-kind innovation for a town public market — perhaps the first in the Philippines.

Market officials expect the award to boost commerce and tourism in this Oriental Mindoro municipality of approximately 70,000 people.

The PBBM Awards program was established to recognize public markets that demonstrate excellence in consumer service and safety across Mimaropa, which encompasses Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.