The recently concluded Tabo sa Kapitolyo: Agri-Fisheries Trade Fair 2026 generated ₱9.8 million in sales, providing a major boost to Cebuano farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and other local agri-fishery enterprises.
Held from August 3 to 9 at Parking Lot 1 beside the Heritage Park inside the Cebu Provincial Capitol Compound, the weeklong trade fair was among the highlights of the province’s 457th Founding Anniversary celebration.
Cebu Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena described the sales performance as unprecedented based on his experience since taking the provincial agriculturist post in 2011.
“Sukad ko nahimong provincial agriculturist since 2011, karon pako kasuway ingon ana kadako’g halin ang Tabo,” Saragena said.
68 exhibitors showcase Cebu products
The trade fair brought together 68 exhibitors, including 52 local government units (LGUs) and 16 private exhibitors.
The LGU participants consisted of Cebu’s 44 municipalities, six component cities, and the highly urbanized cities of Cebu and Mandaue.
The larger venue at Parking Lot 1 helped accommodate more exhibitors and visitors compared with previous editions.
“Daghang nibisita kay mas hamugaway man ang ilang pagtuyok-tuyok,” Saragena said, noting that the spacious location made it easier for visitors to move around and explore the different booths.
However, he said the venue was only one of the factors behind the trade fair’s strong performance.
Affordable, quality Cebuano products
Saragena attributed the strong sales primarily to the combination of affordable prices and quality local products showcasing Cebu’s diverse agricultural, fisheries, and food industries.
Among the products that attracted buyers were cassava-based products from Camotes, humba from Ronda, Bisayang Manok, lechon, dried fish from Bantayan, torta from Argao, tuba ice cream from Borbon, as well as fresh crops, fruits, and vegetables from different parts of the province.
“Dili nato kalimtan, quality pod ang atong mga produkto, presko, unya barato,” Saragena said.
LGU exhibitors were not charged participation fees, allowing them to offer their products at prices below prevailing market rates.
The arrangement also helped make the trade fair more attractive to consumers while giving local producers direct access to a large market.
LGUs generate more than ₱7 million
The 52 LGU exhibitors collectively generated a little over ₱7 million in sales, with 30 LGUs recording six-digit earnings during the weeklong event.
Private exhibitors contributed another ₱2.8 million, bringing the overall sales generated by the trade fair to approximately ₱9.8 million.
Among the participating LGUs, Liloan posted the highest sales at ₱442,569.
It was followed by:
- Tudela – ₱327,141
- Argao – ₱281,045
- Santa Fe – ₱263,380
- Cordova – ₱260,175
The strong performance demonstrated the potential of local trade fairs to provide farmers, fisherfolk, food producers, and small enterprises with direct market opportunities.
Bigger trade fair planned
Following the success of the 2026 edition, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has challenged the Provincial Agriculture Office to prepare for an even bigger trade fair later this year.
Saragena said the next edition is expected to be featured during the Pasko sa Kapitolyo celebration in December.
The provincial government aims to sustain efforts that expand market access for Cebuano producers while promoting locally made agricultural and food products.
The success of Tabo sa Kapitolyo 2026 also highlights the growing demand for Cebuano products and the potential of government-supported trade fairs to strengthen local livelihoods and contribute to the province’s agricultural economy.
(Capitol PIO, File Photos)
