CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu Provincial Government officially opened Tabo sa Kapitolyo 2026 on August 3, transforming the Capitol Compound into a vibrant marketplace of local flavors and crafts. The annual agri‑fisheries trade fair runs until August 9 and is a highlight of the province’s 457th founding anniversary.
A Grand Gathering of Local Pride
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the opening, joined by Vice Governor Glenn Soco, Fourth District Representative Sun Shimura, and mayors from across the province. They toured colorful booths that showcased the best products from Cebu’s six component cities and 44 municipalities. The event also welcomed highly urbanized Cebu and Mandaue cities alongside 16 private exhibitors.
This year’s fair moved to the spacious Parking Lot 1 beside Heritage Park, leaving behind the cramped quarters of previous years. The new venue allowed municipalities to build larger, more elaborate booths that drew admiration from visitors. Governor Baricuatro called it “the best so far,” echoing the mayors’ praise.
A Feast of Cebuano Flavors
Food lovers can indulge in a wide array of native delicacies. Famous treats like rosquillos from Liloan, torta from Argao, and salbaro from Pilar fill the stalls, alongside otap, bingka, tablea, budbud, and tagaktak. These time‑honored recipes offer a delicious taste of Cebuano heritage.
Fresh produce and seafood also take center stage, brought directly from farms and coastal communities. Because local government exhibitors are not charged participation fees, shoppers can enjoy prices lower than typical market rates. The fair creates a direct link between producers and consumers, cutting out middlemen.
Why Tabo Matters
Tabo sa Kapitolyo is more than just a market; it is a celebration of Cebu’s agricultural abundance and cultural identity. The event forms part of the Capitol’s efforts to strengthen market access for farmers, fisherfolk, and micro‑entrepreneurs. It also commemorates a historic milestone—the appointment of Miguel López de Legazpi as Cebu’s first governor on August 6, 1569.
Under Republic Act No. 7698, August 6 is a special non‑working holiday across Cebu Province. This year’s month‑long festivities, supported by a ₱20‑million budget, include the Tabo fair, a Governor’s Run, medical missions, and a cultural showcase. The trade fair embodies the province’s commitment to sustainable tourism and economic resilience.
A Weeklong Invitation to Explore
Tabo sa Kapitolyo 2026 is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until August 9 at the Capitol Compound. Visitors are encouraged to explore the booths, sample local delicacies, and purchase unique handmade products. Every transaction supports local livelihoods and keeps Cebuano traditions alive.
