TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Sandugo Agri Fair 2026 transformed Plaza Rizal into a vibrant celebration of Boholano agriculture, generating ₱2.8 million in sales during its five-day run from July 13 to 17. The fair welcomed throngs of locals and tourists eager to sample fresh harvests, witness traditional crafts, and support the island’s farming communities.
A Bountiful Marketplace in the Heart of the City
From the opening day, the fair buzzed with energy as 30 local government units and 23 private exhibitors proudly displayed their finest produce. Shoppers moved through stalls piled high with organic vegetables, freshly caught seafood, and the province’s legendary kinampay (purple yam). The aroma of native delicacies mixed with the chatter of vendors explaining their products to curious visitors created an atmosphere that was equal parts market and cultural immersion.
The numbers told a story of robust demand. Exhibitors moved an average of 10 tons of agricultural products daily, a pace that kept farmers restocking their booths each morning. Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog attributed the success to the growing appreciation for locally sourced food and the strategic timing of the fair within the Sandugo Festival, which draws a larger tourist footprint to the province.
Hands-On Heritage and Culinary Delights
Beyond the commerce, the fair offered visitors a chance to experience Boholano traditions firsthand. Interactive stations invited guests to try coconut scraping, hanging rice pouch weaving, and manual corn milling—activities that connected them to the island’s rural roots. These hands-on experiences were especially popular with families and young travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters.
The event also recognized outstanding exhibitors and products through a series of competitions. LGU Valencia claimed the Best Booth and Product Display championship, followed by Sagbayan and Carmen. In the processed food categories, Calape topped the Seaweed section while Maribojoc won for its Tilapia innovations. The Pinaka Contest celebrated exceptional produce across multiple categories, from the biggest fruits to the most creative processed goods.
Fueling Bohol’s Agri-Tourism Future
Governor Aris Aumentado underscored the fair’s role in promoting Bohol’s agricultural products to a larger market, particularly its prized kinampay. With global demand for ube on the rise, the province is strengthening its value chain to ensure that local farmers capture more of the economic benefit. The provincial government announced an additional ₱5 million for agricultural buy-back initiatives to provide stable incomes and market access for producers.
For tourists, the Sandugo Agri Fair has become a staple of the festival calendar, offering a one‑stop destination to savor Bohol’s flavors and take home unique souvenirs. As the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol continues to prove that its natural wonders extend from the Chocolate Hills to the farmlands that sustain its people.
