A New Space for Boholano Creativity
BOHOL - Bohol is giving local creatives and entrepreneurs another platform to showcase their work through the first OTOP Creatives and Artisans Marketplace 2026 at the BQ Mall Atrium in Tagbilaran City. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol, the September 23–28 marketplace features 25 exhibitors from Bohol and other parts of the Philippines. The event, held as part of Philippine Creative Industries Month, brings together locally made products, crafts, and creative enterprises in a setting where shoppers and visitors can discover the people and ideas behind them.
Connecting Creative Products With Tourism
The marketplace also highlights how creative businesses can contribute to Bohol’s tourism experience. Provincial Tourism Council Chairman Atty. Lucas Nunag emphasized the value of products that reflect Bohol’s heritage while encouraging approaches that are sustainable and inclusive. For travelers, locally crafted goods can become more than souvenirs—they can provide a tangible connection to the communities, traditions, and skills that make the island distinctive. Supporting these enterprises can likewise give small businesses and artisans opportunities to introduce their products to new customers beyond their usual markets.
Growing an Economy Around Culture and Enterprise
Beyond the six-day marketplace, initiatives like this demonstrate how culture and entrepreneurship can work together to create opportunities for communities. The event complements efforts connected with the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, particularly in promoting cultural heritage, local livelihoods, and sustainable tourism. With government agencies, local businesses, artisans, and tourism stakeholders working together, creative enterprises can become part of Bohol’s broader economic landscape while keeping local identity visible in the products and experiences offered to residents and visitors.
