CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Cagayan de Oro is set to take over One Ayala Malls in Makati City as local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gear up for the MSME ONE Expo 2026. The three‑day showcase runs from July 24 to 26, bringing the best of the city’s food, crafts, and innovation to the country’s premier business district.
A Platform for Homegrown Talent
The expo, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental, is more than just a trade fair; it is a carefully designed launchpad for local brands to break into national markets. DTI Misamis Oriental OIC Provincial Director Jesusa M. Abear emphasized the importance of market expansion in helping entrepreneurs graduate from micro to small and medium enterprises. The event provides a physical space for these businesses to connect directly with Metro Manila consumers, institutional buyers, and potential distributors.
For many of the participating Kagay‑anon entrepreneurs, this is their first opportunity to present their products outside Mindanao. The exposure allows them to test market reception, receive immediate customer feedback, and build relationships that can lead to long‑term supply agreements. The curated delegation represents the diverse creativity of the city, from food processors to artisans and wellness product makers.
A Taste of Cagayan de Oro in the Capital
Visitors to the expo can expect a rich variety of products that tell the story of Cagayan de Oro’s cultural and agricultural heritage. The lineup includes premium coffee sourced from the region’s highlands, artisanal delicacies that blend traditional recipes with modern flavors, handcrafted accessories, and innovative agri‑based goods. Each product on display carries the distinct identity of the city and its surrounding communities.
The coffee sector, in particular, is expected to draw significant attention. Northern Mindanao has built a reputation for high‑quality beans, and the expo gives local roasters and growers a rare chance to introduce their blends to a discerning urban market. Alongside the coffee, processed foods such as bottled sauces, organic snacks, and baked goods will tempt the palates of Makati shoppers.
Building on a Record of Success
The MSME ONE Expo has a proven track record of delivering results for Cagayan de Oro’s entrepreneurs. In 2024, the event generated over ₱1 million in sales when held at Centrio Ayala Mall, and the 2025 edition in Makati shattered expectations with ₱11.3 million in sales, assisting more than 1,040 MSMEs. The 2026 iteration aims to build on that momentum by incorporating structured business‑to‑business matching sessions alongside retail selling.
These B2B activities connect local producers with corporate buyers, restaurant chains, and retail distributors who are looking for unique, high‑quality Philippine‑made products. For a small business owner from Cagayan de Oro, a single successful B2B meeting in Makati can result in a year‑long supply contract that transforms their operation. The expo thus serves as both a sales event and a strategic growth opportunity.
How the City Benefits When Its MSMEs Thrive
Every participating entrepreneur who secures a new market in Metro Manila brings benefits back to Cagayan de Oro. Increased orders mean more jobs for local workers, higher demand for raw materials from local farmers, and greater economic activity within the city. The expo strengthens the entire value chain, from the farm to the factory to the retail shelf.
The event also enhances the city’s reputation as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence in Mindanao. When Makati shoppers encounter well‑packaged, professionally presented products from Cagayan de Oro, it challenges stereotypes and opens doors for future collaborations. The visibility generated by the expo often outlasts the three‑day event, with many participants receiving follow‑up inquiries and online orders.
An Invitation to Support Local
With five days to go, the countdown has begun. Cagayan de Oro’s MSMEs are packing their best products and preparing to showcase the city’s talent on a national stage. Makati residents and visitors are encouraged to drop by One Ayala Malls, bring their shopping bags, and experience firsthand the creativity and quality that define Kagay‑anon entrepreneurship.
