ORMOC CITY — Putting local enterprise, regional traditions, and homegrown craftsmanship at center stage, the ATOP Eastern Visayas Expo officially opened on the second floor of SM Center Ormoc on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Organized by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP), the multi-day regional trade fair serves as a showcase of diverse products, culinary specialties, and artisan crafts from across Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.
Leadership Spearheads Opening Ceremonies
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Kia Mercadal and Caren Torres Rama, ATOP Vice President for Visayas Jerick Lacson, and SM Center Ormoc Community Relations Service (CRS) Manager Theodino Tagros.
The official opening highlights Ormoc City’s role as a regional hub for trade, culture, and destination marketing as local tourism officers gather across Eastern Visayas to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural cooperatives.
Diverse Regional Producers Showcase Heritage
The expo floor features an array of participating exhibitors presenting agricultural innovations, native food delicacies, hand-crafted goods, and vocational training projects:
SDO Ormoc Farm School: Displaying student-led agricultural products and sustainable farming outputs.
Alto Peak Chocolate Processing: Highlighting locally crafted dark chocolate and cacao-based goods sourced from Ormoc's highland slopes.
TODOC’s Special Native Delicacies: Offering traditional Visayan kakanin and delicacies.
USWAG Artesano Producers Cooperative: Presenting hand-woven crafts, home decor, and regional artisan products.
Ugmad-Ani Integrated Farm: Featuring organic farm products and sustainable agriculture produce.
Ormoc Local Producers Association (OLPA): Showcasing a consolidated lineup of micro-business products from across the city.
Ormoc Technical Education and Skills Development Center: Demonstrating vocational output and community livelihood projects.
Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc: Highlighting home-style food products and local delicacies.
Running through Friday, October 23, 2026, the ATOP Eastern Visayas Expo invites mall-goers, travelers, and community members to explore the booths, support local entrepreneurs, and experience the cultural wealth of the region.
