SURIGAO CITY — The Karadjawan Nan Surigao Creative Festival and Trade Fair officially kicked off on September 21, 2026, at the City Gymnasium, launching the province's celebration of National Tourism Week 2026. The opening program featured three key events: the Karadjawan Nan Surigao Trade Fair, the Coco Fair Surigao del Norte Coconut Festival, and the Plein Air and On-the-Spot Painting competition. Together, these activities provided a lively venue where local entrepreneurs, artists, producers, and cultural advocates could showcase their skills, creativity, and products to the community and visiting public.
A Platform for Local Entrepreneurs and Artists
The festival provides an important marketplace for Surigaonon micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), giving them an opportunity to showcase their products and interact with consumers. Visitors can discover a variety of locally made goods, including coconut-based products, popular pasalubong items, handicrafts, and other creative offerings that represent the province's local industries. For entrepreneurs and artisans, the trade fair goes beyond generating sales, offering opportunities to increase brand visibility, communicate directly with customers, and establish connections with prospective business partners and investors. Meanwhile, the Plein Air and On-the-Spot Painting competition brings an artistic element to the celebration, giving local visual artists the chance to interpret Surigao's scenery and character through their work and adding to the festival's creative energy.
Why Celebrating This Festival Matters
The Karadjawan Nan Surigao Creative Festival plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between tourism, culture, and local economic growth. Tourism extends beyond attractions and destinations; it also involves the communities, traditions, products, and stories that shape a place's distinct identity. By highlighting local entrepreneurs, artists, and producers, the festival promotes community pride while encouraging both residents and visitors to patronize homegrown businesses. The celebration also forms part of National Tourism Week 2026, which carries the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” emphasizing the potential of innovation and technology to work alongside established tourism initiatives. Through the event, Surigao City and the province of Surigao del Norte highlight their commitment to inclusive development, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism.
A Collaborative Effort for a Stronger Surigao
The festival's success is supported by the combined efforts of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and other tourism, cultural, and business stakeholders in the area. Their partnership reflects a collective goal of developing a Surigao that values its identity, expands opportunities for its communities, and promotes local enterprises. As the celebration continues through the 23rd Tilaw Food Festival, residents and visitors are encouraged to drop by the City Gymnasium, explore the participating booths, and support the local products, businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists that contribute to Surigao's distinct character.
