Regional flavors, craftsmanship, and creative narratives took center stage as the Western Visayas Gastronomy & Creative Expo 2026 officially opened on January 19 at the SM City Iloilo Event Center, welcoming locals and visitors to a week-long celebration running until January 25.
The opening ceremony was led by Raisa Treñas, Chairperson of the Regional Economic Development Committee, together with Jobert Peñaflorida, Co-Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI. A ribbon-cutting marked the formal start of the expo, which brings together the region’s culinary heritage and creative industries under one roof.
In her message, Mayor Treñas underscored the spirit behind the gathering. “When people come together, it usually means one thing—passionate and proud gid kita,” she said, noting that the day’s pride was rooted in Western Visayas’ food, creativity, and shared stories as a region.
A Collaborative Platform for Culture and Commerce
The expo is a collaborative initiative of the Iloilo City Government with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Regional Development Council VI, the Department of Agriculture, and a diverse roster of exhibitors composed of business groups, MSMEs, artists, and local enterprises.
Backed by RDC VI Resolution No. 155, s. 2025 and the Economic Development Committee, the expo serves as a strategic platform to promote innovation, tourism, and economic growth—made more significant this year by Iloilo City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Strong Support from Public and Private Sectors
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Region VI (PCCI Region VI) extended its congratulations to the organizers, highlighting the expo as a showcase of Western Visayas’ food culture, creativity, and local industries. Messages of support were delivered by leaders from the Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., PCCI National, and DEPDev.
In her support message, DTI-6 OIC Regional Director Mutya Eusores emphasized that micro, small, and medium enterprises are the backbone of local economic development, reaffirming DTI’s commitment to ensure opportunities in the creative and gastronomic sectors reach every corner of the region.
PCCI Western Visayas Regional Council leaders, including Regional Governor Engr. Fulbert Woo, PCCI Iloilo President Noi Dongor, and President Rani Rodriguez, were also present in support of the program.
“One Western Visayas, a Creative Western Visayas”
Anchored on the principle of “One Western Visayas, a Creative Western Visayas,” the expo invites the public to discover heirloom flavors, artisanal crafts, and the resilience of local enterprises that power the region’s growth engine.
The Western Visayas Gastronomy & Creative Expo 2026 is open daily until January 25 at the SM City Iloilo Event Center, offering a vibrant showcase of the region’s culture, creativity, and cuisine.
