CEBU CITY — Fifty homegrown enterprises are showcasing their products at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu from October 15 to 18, 2026. The COCONUTPhilippines Central Visayas Trade Fair and Negosyo Agraryo Trade Fair bring together coconut farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and local MSMEs under one roof.
A Platform for Local Producers
The twin trade fairs are spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 7. They aim to expand market access for producers across Central Visayas, including Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. The event runs daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and is open to the public.
Of the 50 participating enterprises, 30 are presenting coconut-based products supported
through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. The remaining 20 are DTI-CARP-assisted agrarian enterprises. Together, they represent the creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit of the region's farmers and small business owners.
From Coconut Innovation to Artisanal Crafts
The CoconutPhilippines fair highlights how coconuts are transformed into high-value products beyond traditional copra and virgin coconut oil. Visitors can discover food items, health and wellness products, home décor, and sustainable alternatives to plastics. These innovations demonstrate the versatility of the coconut and the ingenuity of local processors.
The Negosyo Agraryo Trade Fair complements this with a diverse range of locally made food and non-food items. From artisanal delicacies to handcrafted goods, each booth tells a story of resilience and resourcefulness. Shoppers can meet the makers, learn about production methods, and purchase authentic products directly from the source.
Connecting Producers With Bigger Markets
DTI-7 organized the event to help small producers connect with larger buyers and institutional customers. Trade fairs like this create opportunities for entrepreneurs to expand their customer base, gather market feedback, and forge partnerships with retailers and distributors.
By bringing producers face to face with consumers, the initiative shortens the supply chain and ensures that a greater share of revenue reaches the farmers and artisans themselves. This direct linkage supports rural livelihoods and encourages younger generations to see agriculture and food processing as viable enterprises.
Why Supporting Local Matters
Every purchase at the trade fair contributes to community development. When consumers choose locally made products, they help sustain farms, processing facilities, and family-run businesses across Central Visayas. That spending circulates within the regional economy, creating jobs and strengthening food security.
The event also promotes sustainable practices. Coconut-based products are biodegradable and renewable, offering eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. Agrarian reform beneficiaries, meanwhile, demonstrate how land ownership translates into productive, community-driven enterprise.
An Invitation to Shop and Discover
Shoppers looking for unique finds and meaningful gifts are invited to visit the Activity Center before the fair closes on October 18. Admission is free, and the variety of products ensures something for every taste and budget. Families, food enthusiasts, and business buyers will all find reasons to linger.
The fair serves as more than a marketplace; it is a celebration of local identity and economic empowerment. By choosing homegrown products, visitors become partners in building a more resilient and inclusive Central Visayas.
