CEBU CITY — The Municipality of Ronda won the top prize in this year’s Tabo sa Kapitolyo Best LGUs Booth Contest, besting 51 other participating local government units across the province. Ronda received ₱150,000 for taking first place, followed by Toledo City, which won ₱125,000 for second place. Samboan placed third and received ₱100,000, while Bogo City took fourth place with ₱75,000. Tuburan rounded out the top five, receiving ₱50,000.
A Celebration of Cebuano Craftsmanship
The contest recognized local government units for their booths showcased during Tabo sa Kapitolyo, which highlights the province’s local products and delicacies, craftsmanship, and marine products. Each booth was judged on the overall impact, design, display of products, efficient use of space, tidiness, and the use of indigenous materials. The competition encouraged municipalities to showcase their unique identity and pride.
Bogo City and the municipalities of Tuburan and Ronda had already claimed their respective prizes following the grand finale of Halad sa Pagtuo on Saturday, August 30, 2026. The awarding ceremony was part of the month-long celebration of Cebu’s 457th founding anniversary. The event brought together communities from across the province to celebrate their shared heritage.
A Record-Breaking Agri-Fishery Trade Fair
The weeklong Tabo sa Kapitolyo: Agri-Fisheries Trade Fair 2026 wrapped up on August 9 with an all-time high of ₱9.8 million in total sales. The record haul provided a direct economic lifeline to Cebu’s farmers, fisherfolk, and food entrepreneurs who participated. Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena declared the result the highest he has witnessed since taking office in 2011.
The figures surpassed the ₱7.7 million recorded in the previous year, signaling that the fair continues to grow as a premier marketplace for local goods. LGU exhibitors accounted for over ₱7 million of the total revenue. Private exhibitors contributed an additional ₱2.8 million across 16 booths.
Top Performers and Local Flavors
Liloan topped the sales chart with ₱442,569, driven by its famous baked goods and delicacies. Tudela followed closely with ₱327,141 from Camotes Island products, while Argao placed third at ₱281,045 on the strength of its renowned torta and tablea. Santa Fe and Cordova rounded out the top five with dried seafood and marine harvests.
The fair was a feast of Cebuano cuisine. Visitors sampled humba from Ronda, tuba ice cream from Borbon, lechon, Bisayang Manok, and cassava products from Camotes. The diversity of offerings turned the Capitol parking lot into a culinary destination that celebrated the province’s rich agricultural heritage.
A Boost for Cebuano Livelihoods
For the small-scale producers, the direct sales translated into immediate income for seeds, fertilizers, and household needs. Many exhibitors reported selling out their stocks well before the final day. The fair demonstrated that removing middlemen and providing free selling platforms can multiply the earnings of grassroots entrepreneurs.
The event formed part of the month-long celebration of Cebu’s 457th founding anniversary. Governor Pamela Baricuatro has already challenged the Provincial Agriculture Office to mount an even bigger trade fair during the Pasko sa Kapitolyo celebration in December. The momentum from the August record will carry into the next edition.
