ORMOC CITY — The ATOP Eastern Visayas Expo officially opened on October 19, 2026, on the second floor of SM Center Ormoc. The multi-day trade fair highlights local enterprise, regional traditions, and homegrown craftsmanship from across Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.
A Celebration of Regional Heritage
Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Kia Mercadal and Caren Torres Rama. ATOP Vice President for Visayas Jerick Lacson and SM Center Ormoc Community Relations Service Manager Theodino Tagros also attended the milestone event.
The opening highlights Ormoc City’s critical role as a regional hub for trade, culture, and destination marketing. Local tourism officers gathered to support small and medium enterprises and agricultural cooperatives, actively driving economic growth across the region.
The event serves as a vibrant marketplace where culture and commerce seamlessly intertwine. Visitors can explore a wide variety of booths while learning about the unique heritage and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the entire Eastern Visayas region.
Highlighting Homegrown Artisans and Producers
The expo floor features an impressive array of participating exhibitors presenting agricultural innovations, native food delicacies, and hand-crafted goods. Alto Peak Chocolate Processing highlights locally crafted dark chocolate, while TODOC’s Special Native Delicacies offers traditional Visayan kakanin and regional sweets.
USWAG Artesano Producers Cooperative presents beautifully hand-woven crafts and home decor, showcasing regional artisan skills. Ugmad-Ani Integrated Farm features organic produce, while the Ormoc Local Producers Association displays a diverse lineup of micro-business products from across the city.
Every purchase made at these stalls directly benefits local families and community-based organizations. The fair provides a crucial commercial bridge for rural producers, allowing them to showcase their exceptional talents and premium products to a much broader urban audience.
Supporting Skills and Sustainable Livelihoods
Beyond commerce, the fair actively promotes vocational training and community livelihood projects. The SDO Ormoc Farm School displays student-led agricultural products and sustainable farming outputs, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in modern agriculture and local food security.
Meanwhile, the Ormoc Technical Education and Skills Development Center demonstrates tangible vocational outputs. These initiatives highlight the vital role of skills development and grassroots entrepreneurship in building a resilient, highly inclusive local economy for the entire province.
This holistic approach to tourism ensures that economic progress reaches the grassroots level. By empowering local farmers, artisans, and students, the expo creates long-term livelihood opportunities that extend far beyond the duration of the trade fair itself.
An Invitation to Discover and Support Local
Running through Friday, October 23, 2026, the ATOP Eastern Visayas Expo invites shoppers, travelers, and community members to explore the diverse booths. The event encourages everyone to support local entrepreneurs and experience the rich cultural wealth of the region.
Located on the second level beside Shylaer Sizzling Steak, the showcase offers a unique opportunity to purchase authentic goods. By choosing to buy homegrown products, visitors directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of regional communities and local businesses.
