CEBU, Philippines — As part of the month-long celebration of the 455th Founding Anniversary of Cebu Province, the Capitol officially opened yesterday the One Cebu Island Expo at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu that will run until Sunday, August 27, 2024.
All the 53 towns, component cities, and highly urbanized cities of Cebu are in full force to support the expo, led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, that showcases Cebu’s more than 500 products and delicacies.
“We continue to raise that bar of excellence tungod kay Cebu is like no other,” Gov. Gwen said in her speech.
“Ang Sugbo way sama, dili mangopya, walay sundogan kay Sugbo — One Cebu Island — ang sumbanan,” added the governor in her speech.
Tuburan town Mayor Aljun Diamante, founder of Cebu’s homegrown coffee, Tuburan Coffee, and one of the exhibitors said that he is glad that Filipinos, especially the Cebuanos, patronize their coffee that has gained popularity over the years to the delight of the town’s coffee farmers.
Diamante expressed happiness on how the Tuburan Coffee has evolved to “good quality” coffee.
With the convergence of the different government agencies, Diamante said they have also produced some pastries and cookies, perfect to be paired with Tuburan Coffee.
Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan said that he is proud of the town’s products, including the sisig bakasi being showcased in the expo.
Some of the town’s products also include necklaces and earrings made of shells that is one of the sources of livelihood especially among the mothers.
“Maka income gyud ang atong mga inahan kay for example kaning manuhog sila sa nga shells, adto ra man sa ilaha ni buhaton. Mao mapasalamaton mi ni Governor Garcia kay tungod ani nga expo mapakita namo ang among mga produkto dili lang diri sa Cebu kun dili sa tibuok Pilipinas ug sa gawas sa nasud,” says Suan.
Tudela town Mayor Greman Solante also said that their own product called “takla” is the latest favorite of the governor. Other products on display in the town include biko, and kangkong chips.
Started in 2008 by Garcia, the One Cebu Expo was intended for Cebuano entrepreneurs from all over the province, boosting further change and economic growth and innovation in the towns and cities.
This expo provides exhibitors not only with sales opportunities but also a platform to elevate the Cebuano brand, connect with institutional buyers, and meet international export demands.
Lapu-Lapu City unveiled a booth inspired by the world-class Mactan-Cebu International Airport, highlighting its cultural and economic assets.
Lapu-Lapu City's booth features local delicacies, an image of Birhen Sa Regla, and a display of high-quality guitars, ukuleles, and bandurias crafted by skilled Oponganon artisans, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan expressed his appreciation for the expo, commending the governor for providing a platform for cities and municipalities to promote their unique products and services.
Mayor Chan emphasized the city’s commitment in supporting the governor’s initiatives and reaffirmed the city’s role as a part of One Cebu, One Island.
Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cindi King-Chan also praised the event, noting the impressive representation from across Cebu, including the cities.
The congresswoman added that the 1Cebu Expo serves as a premier venue for celebrating and promoting the diverse products and cultural heritage of Cebu, and she is proud that the city is displaying its world-class contributions.
The governor was joined by Board Members Red Duterte and Glenn Anthony Soco; Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, St. Petersburg Deputy Chairman for External Relations Vyacheslav Kalganov, Russian Consul Armi Garcia, and Honorary Consul Enrison Benedicto.
This year, the expo has expanded to highlight not only local products and industries, but also services and Cebu’s world-class tourist destinations. It will run for seven days, from August 21 to 27, 2024. – /ATO (FREEMAN)