94 Eastern Visayas Producers Generate PHP 53 Million at Bahandi Trade Fair

Eastern Visayas entrepreneurs generated PHP 53 million in combined cash and booked sales during the five-day Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair, held from October 1 to 5 in Metro Manila. The event showcased the region’s food products, handicrafts, and innovative local offerings, bringing together 94 producers seeking to expand their businesses beyond their home provinces.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 8, the annual trade fair gave micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) opportunities to connect with customers, attract buyers, and secure new orders. Sales are expected to help participating enterprises sustain production, meet customer demand, and support employment in local communities.

Established in 1987, the Bahandi trade fair has become an important platform for Eastern Visayas businesses to strengthen their brands, improve product quality, and explore wider domestic and international markets.

“Bahandi is more than a venue for trade; it is a hub for transformation,” said DTI Region 8 Regional Director Celerina Bato. She highlighted how the agency’s programs help local enterprises improve their capabilities, develop market-driven products, and respond to changing consumer preferences.

Eastern Visayas Food Products Attract Buyers

Food products were among the fair’s top sellers, reflecting the region’s rich culinary traditions and growing market potential. Popular items included peanuts and peanut-based products, along with local noodle varieties such as odong, misua, and pancit canton.

Chocolate moron, a traditional delicacy popular in parts of Eastern Visayas, also drew visitors. These regional specialties gave buyers a chance to discover local flavors while supporting homegrown food producers.

Handcrafted products also gained attention at the event. Visitors bought tikog bags, curtains, and nito handicrafts, underscoring the lasting appeal of traditional weaving and locally made decor.

Strong interest in food and crafts showed how regional specialties can help small businesses reach new customers while preserving local skills and cultural traditions.

Coconut Products Take Center Stage

Coconut-based products received special attention through a dedicated pavilion supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

The pavilion featured a range of culinary products, including coconut sap, vinegar, tuba or coconut wine, coconut flour, choco-coco jam, desiccated coconut, balsamic vinegar, and bukayo or bukarillo.

Beyond food, exhibitors highlighted the versatility of coconut resources through agricultural and industrial applications. These included coconut peat mixed fertilizers and planting tools made from coconut-based materials.

The showcase illustrated how coconut farming can support a wider range of livelihood opportunities, allowing producers to develop value-added products from locally available resources.

For coconut-growing communities in Eastern Visayas, product diversification offers opportunities to reach new markets and create additional income beyond selling raw materials.

Local Brand Introduces Innovative Blue Ternate Drink

Product innovation was another highlight of the trade fair, with Zeg Food Products attracting attention for its beverage called “Purple Rain.”

The carbonated blue ternate drink became a crowd favorite, demonstrating how creative product development can help local brands stand out in a competitive marketplace.

By introducing distinctive products, small enterprises can appeal to new customer segments while building stronger brand identities. Trade fairs also give entrepreneurs an opportunity to introduce new offerings, gather consumer feedback, and assess market demand.

For participating MSMEs, these events provide a practical setting to test new ideas and identify products with potential for wider distribution.

PHP 53 Million in Sales Supports Local Enterprises

The PHP 53 million in combined cash and booked sales represents an important business opportunity for participating producers. Beyond immediate transactions, the orders can help enterprises plan production, purchase raw materials, and establish relationships with new buyers and suppliers.

Increased market access can also benefit communities that depend on local manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, and handicraft production. As enterprises receive more orders, they may need additional workers and stronger supply chains to meet demand.

However, converting trade fair sales into sustained growth will depend on businesses’ ability to maintain product quality, manage production costs, meet delivery commitments, and build lasting customer relationships.

DTI Supports Eastern Visayas MSMEs

DTI Region 8 continues to support local enterprises through initiatives such as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program.

The program helps businesses improve product development, strengthen quality standards, develop market-ready offerings, and prepare for participation in major trade exhibitions.

These initiatives are particularly important for smaller producers seeking to compete with established brands and enter markets outside their immediate communities. Access to business development assistance and promotional opportunities can help entrepreneurs improve their operations and reach a wider customer base.

The success of the Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair underscores the commercial potential of the region’s local products, from traditional delicacies and handcrafted goods to innovative beverages and coconut-based innovations.

With continued support, product development, and expanded market access, Eastern Visayas MSMEs can turn local resources and craftsmanship into sustainable business opportunities for communities across the region.

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