... One Cebu exhibit fails to reach target

CEBU, Philippines - The One Cebu Expo has only earned below P1.5 million since its opening last August 7 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

Enrison Benedicto, expo vice chairman, said they failed to achieve their target sales despite the fact that exporters are taking every opportunity to market their wares amid the economic crisis.

“Yes, we are still short,” Benedicto said in his text message to The Freeman. Organizers of the event are targeting P1.5 million sales a day.   

The second One Cebu Expo, which will run until August 16, showcases Cebuano products that include furniture items, gifts and toys, housewares, fashion accessories, among others.

There are 300 exhibitors in this year’s event, the number of which has doubled that of last year when only 160 exhibitors participated.

“We see immediate sales of the smaller items like fashion accessories and food,” Benedicto said.

The Cebu provincial government, which built and manages the CICC, has opened up the basement area of the center to accommodate additional participants. Organizers had originally prepared only the ground and the second floor for the event.

The number of participants increased this year as the Capitol decided not to impose rental fees on them.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia earlier said no rental fees will be asked from the participants as a way of helping them.

It was learned that only 10 percent of their gross sales will go to the provincial coffers. — Garry B. Lao/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)