PHOTO COURTESY: ILOILO CITY MAYOR Raisa Treñas (FACEBOOK PAGE)

ILOILO CITY — Mayor Raisa Treñas extended a warm invitation to residents and visitors as Iloilo City prepared to host the Iloilo Trio 2026, the largest concurrent trade exposition in Western Visayas. The three‑in‑one event at the Iloilo Convention Center from July 9 to 12 promises to energize local enterprises and showcase Ilonggo talent on a national stage.

Mayor Treñas Issues a Personal Call to Support Local

The mayor personally welcomed delegates from Worldbex Services International and the city’s own MICE Center. She urged Ilonggos to visit the four‑day event, emphasizing that every purchase directly uplifts small entrepreneurs and the families who depend on them. Her message framed the expo as a shared community opportunity.

“I invite everyone to visit the expo and support our local exhibitors and the many Ilonggos whose livelihoods continue to grow through initiatives like this,” Treñas said. Her statement positioned the city government as a committed partner in sustaining the momentum of homegrown businesses and creative industries.

Three Signature Expos Unite Under One Roof

The Iloilo Trio 2026 combines three flagship shows: PHILBEX Iloilo for building and design, MAFBEX Iloilo for food and beverage, and TLEX Iloilo for travel and leisure. Each expo caters to a distinct sector, yet together they create a comprehensive marketplace that reflects the city’s diverse and expanding economy.

PHILBEX will feature green architecture and interior design innovations, while MAFBEX highlights regional cuisine through live cooking demos and a dedicated franchise zone. TLEX rounds out the experience by offering exclusive travel deals from airlines and tour operators, capitalizing on the growing wanderlust of the Ilonggo market.

Projected P200‑M Economic Windfall for the City

Organizers estimate that the tri‑expo will generate between ₱150 million and ₱200 million in economic activity. More than 400 exhibitors from local and international firms are participating, alongside specialized trade booths from China, Japan, and South Korea. The projected foot traffic exceeds 20,000 visitors, up from last year’s 16,590.

The influx of buyers, suppliers, and industry professionals fills hotels, restaurants, and transport services across the metro. This spending ripple directly aligns with Mayor Treñas’ vision of positioning Iloilo City as a premier MICE destination capable of hosting world‑class events that deliver tangible returns to the local economy.

MICE Center Hails Benchmarking Opportunity

Ma. Victoria Lara, director of the Iloilo City MICE Office, said the event gives local micro, small, and medium enterprises access to international networks without the cost of traveling abroad. She noted that exhibitors can benchmark their products against premier global brands right on their home turf, sharpening their competitiveness.

The partnership with Worldbex introduces cutting‑edge construction software, advanced kitchen equipment, and digital tourism platforms to regional players. This technology transfer accelerates the modernization of Ilonggo businesses, a priority underscored by the mayor’s consistent push for innovation‑driven growth.

A Celebration of Ilonggo Livelihoods and Culture

At its core, the Iloilo Trio 2026 is a celebration of the people behind the products. From artisan food producers and furniture makers to travel agency staff and construction workers, the expos spotlight the human labor that powers the city’s progress. Mayor Treñas’ welcome speech served as a reminder that economic indicators ultimately measure human flourishing.

The free‑admission event runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees can pre‑register online to skip queues. With the mayor’s rallying cry, the city expects a strong turnout that will translate encouragement into actual sales, partnerships, and long‑term business relationships for Ilonggo exhibitors.