TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The five‑day Sandugo Agri Fair 2026 concluded on July 17 with farmers and fisherfolk counting not just awards but tangible earnings. The event, held at Plaza Rizal, generated ₱3.27 million in direct sales and moved over 46,500 kilograms of agricultural and fishery products, proving that the province’s food producers can thrive amid challenging times.
A Marketplace That Delivers Results
The fair transformed the historic plaza into a bustling agri‑trade hub, giving 30 municipal local government units and 23 private exhibitors direct access to consumers. Shoppers went home with fresh produce, processed foods, and ornamental plants, while producers pocketed much‑needed income without middlemen eating into their margins. The volume of goods sold underscored the strong demand for Boholano products when they are made visible and accessible.
Beyond the cash register, the event served as a vital networking platform for cooperatives and micro‑enterprises. Farmers who typically sell only within their barangays suddenly found themselves talking to restaurant owners, traders, and even exporters. The exposure can translate into long‑term supply agreements that stabilize rural incomes beyond the festival season.
Showcasing Local Champions
The fair’s competitive spirit shone through the “Pinaka” harvest contest, which recognized the province’s finest produce. LGU‑Valencia emerged as a powerhouse, topping categories for bottle gourd, eggplant, and onion, while also winning Best Booth. LGU‑Clarin claimed the heaviest squash and the prized bingka rice, and LGU‑Calape impressed with banana, gabi, and a promising seaweed product.
Processed food innovation was also celebrated. Maribojoc took top honors for its tilapia‑based product, signaling the growing sophistication of Bohol’s homegrown food processing. These awards do more than hand out trophies; they set quality benchmarks that push farmers to improve breeding, cultivation, and post‑harvest handling, ultimately raising the value of everything Bohol sells.
Government Backing and Global Ambitions
Behind the festivities sits serious policy muscle. Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog announced an additional ₱5 million allocation for the government’s agricultural buy‑back program, a safety net that guarantees farmers a floor price for their harvests. The mechanism shields producers from price crashes and encourages them to plant more without fear of ruin.
Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” C. Aumentado also spotlighted the export potential of kinampay, Bohol’s iconic purple yam. Plans are in motion to strengthen the supply chain and processing infrastructure to meet growing international demand. These moves signal that the province views agriculture not as a subsistence sector but as a growth engine worthy of significant investment.
A Legacy Beyond Sales
The fair also drew hundreds of participants into hands‑on cultural‑agricultural activities such as traditional rice pounding, corn grinding, and coconut grating. These exercises kept indigenous skills alive and attracted younger generations to the agricultural way of life. By blending commerce, culture, and community, the Sandugo Agri Fair cemented its role as an economic and social anchor for Bohol’s countryside.
