CARAGA REGION — The Caraga Region brought the full breadth of its tourism offerings to the 4th Mindanao Tourism Expo (MTEx) 2026, held from October 2 to 4 at the Sultan Kudarat Gymnasium in Isulan. Under the banner of the Department of Tourism-Caraga (DOT-13), the region's delegation showcased its destinations, products, and cultural traditions, reinforcing its position as one of Mindanao's most diverse and promising tourism frontiers.
A Unified Regional Showcase
The Caraga booth at MTEx 2026 was a collaborative effort that brought together local government units, tourism stakeholders, and private sector partners from across the region. DOT-13 was joined by the provincial governments of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, alongside the city governments of Bislig City and Butuan City. This multi-level participation reflected the region's coordinated approach to tourism promotion, presenting a unified front to the thousands of expo visitors, travel trade professionals, and potential investors who attended the three-day event.
Destinations and Products on Display
Visitors to the Caraga booth were introduced to the region's signature destinations, from the world-class surf breaks of Siargao Island to the mystical lagoons and limestone formations of Dinagat Islands, and the rich historical and cultural heritage of Butuan City. The region's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) also took part, with food producers and artisans showcasing products that included tableya from cacao, mangosteen-based food items, calamansi pure extract, wild honey, and other local delicacies. These products represent the growing capacity of Caraga's MSMEs to create value-added goods that appeal to both domestic and international markets.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Beyond its destinations and products, Caraga also contributed to the expo's cultural programming, including the "Weaves of Mindanao" fashion show. This event highlighted the textile artistry of the region's diverse ethnolinguistic groups, featuring iconic weaves alongside those from other Mindanao regions. Caraga's participation in the cultural showcase reflected the region's commitment to preserving and promoting its indigenous heritage as an integral part of its tourism identity. DOT-13 also mobilized cultural performers to present local cultural dances as part of the expo's daily activities.
Positioning Caraga in the National Tourism Landscape
MTEx 2026 served as a strategic platform for Caraga to strengthen its connections with tourism sellers and buyers from across the country. Business-to-business meetings at the expo are designed to create partnerships between local tourism enterprises and travel agencies from Luzon and the Visayas, helping bring Mindanao destinations and tourism products to markets outside the island. For Caraga, this translates into tangible opportunities to attract more visitors, support local livelihoods, and sustain the momentum of its growing tourism sector. As DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag has emphasized, the region offers "pristine white-sand islands, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences" that invite travelers to explore Caraga beyond its waves.
