ILOILO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 is proudly showcasing ten Halal-certified micro, small, and medium enterprises at the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) Iloilo 2026. The four-day event runs from July 9 to 12 at the Iloilo Convention Center, inviting everyone to discover and support the region’s growing Halal ecosystem.
A Pavilion That Opens Doors
Visitors will find DTI’s dedicated Halal showcase at MAFBEX Booth 183‑184, where a curated lineup of local producers offers everything from gourmet snacks to pantry staples. The initiative moves beyond a typical trade fair display; it deliberately connects Muslim‑friendly products with mainstream consumers, expanding market reach for small entrepreneurs. Each purchase helps a family‑run business grow while broadening public appreciation for Halal‑certified goods.
MAFBEX itself is a magnet for food lovers, and the Halal pavilion enriches the expo’s diverse flavor landscape. The DTI sees this platform as a launchpad for local brands to secure institutional buyers, export leads, and long‑term retail partnerships. By bringing these enterprises face‑to‑face with thousands of visitors, the department transforms a booth into a business opportunity.
Support That Goes Beyond a Booth
Behind the colorful displays lies a comprehensive government push to professionalize and globalize the regional Halal sector. DTI Region 6 has provided training, certification assistance, and marketing support to help these MSMEs meet international standards. For many of the entrepreneurs, the chance to exhibit at a premier event like MAFBEX was once out of reach.
The agency views Halal not as a niche but as a fast‑growing global market valued in the trillions of dollars. By equipping local producers with the right certifications, the DTI is essentially giving them a passport to markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The MAFBEX showcase is the most visible milestone of that ongoing effort.
Part of a Much Bigger Celebration
MAFBEX Iloilo is just one of three simultaneous expos under the Iloilo Trio Events 2026 banner. Running alongside it are PHILBEX, which features building and construction innovations, and TLEX, which offers travel and leisure deals. This tri‑expo format draws diverse crowds, creating spillover foot traffic that benefits the food exhibitors.
The combined event is projected to generate between ₱150 million and ₱200 million in economic activity for Western Visayas. More than 400 exhibitors from local and international markets have gathered, with trade delegations from China, Japan, and South Korea also present. The scale underscores Iloilo City’s growing reputation as a premier business events destination.
Leaders Rally Behind the Expo
Mayor Raisa Treñas encouraged both locals and tourists to visit the expo, emphasizing that every purchase uplifts the small entrepreneurs and families who depend on them. Her call to action reflects the city government’s commitment to an inclusive economy where growth reaches the grassroots. The mayor sees events like MAFBEX as engines that power the city’s MICE ambitions.
Ma. Victoria Lara, director of the Iloilo City MICE Office, noted that the tri‑expo allows local MSMEs to benchmark their products against global brands without leaving the country. This exposure sharpens their competitiveness and helps them understand what it takes to succeed internationally. For the ten Halal‑certified enterprises, the lessons learned this week could shape their future for years.
Free Admission, Open Doors
The MAFBEX expo, along with PHILBEX and TLEX, welcomes the public daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Iloilo Convention Center. Admission is completely free, making it easy for families, food enthusiasts, and business owners to explore the offerings. The DTI invites everyone to drop by Booth 183‑184, taste the flavors of Iloilo, and support the province’s Halal‑certified entrepreneurs.
