CEBU — 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 in the 457th founding anniversary celebration.
A Record-Breaking Harvest
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. Out of the 52 participating local government units, 30 posted six‑digit earnings, demonstrating broad‑based economic benefits. The numbers validated the province’s strategy of connecting producers directly with consumers.
What Drove the Success
Dr. Saragena credited the bigger venue at Parking Lot 1 beside Heritage Park, which gave visitors a spacious and comfortable shopping experience. The layout allowed smoother foot traffic and encouraged families to linger longer. The strategic location inside the Capitol compound also drew in government employees and passers‑by.
More importantly, the products sold were both high‑quality and affordably priced. LGU exhibitors were not charged participation fees, allowing them to sell below prevailing market rates. Shoppers snapped up fresh vegetables, fruits, dried fish, and native delicacies knowing they were getting the best value for their money.
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.
