ILOILO — The Western Visayas Gastronomy & Creative Expo 2026 formally opened at the SM City Iloilo Event Center on January 19, positioning food, culture, and creativity as strategic drivers of regional economic growth and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development.
Running until this January 25, the week-long expo brings together culinary entrepreneurs, artisans, and creative enterprises from across Region 6, underscoring how gastronomy and innovation are being harnessed to strengthen local industries and expand market opportunities for MSMEs.
A major highlight of this year’s expo is the global spotlight on Iloilo City following its elevation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a recognition that places Ilonggo cuisine on the international culinary map and reinforces Western Visayas’ reputation as a food and culture destination.
During the opening ceremony, Department of Trade and Industry – Region 6 officer-in-charge Mutya Eusores stressed the central role of MSMEs in driving inclusive growth, reiterating the agency’s commitment to serving as a partner and advocate for enterprises in the creative and gastronomic sectors across Panay.
Carrying the theme “One Western Visayas, a Creative Western Visayas,” the expo features a wide range of offerings — from heirloom dishes and contemporary food innovations to artisanal crafts and locally designed products — showcasing how tradition and creativity intersect in the region’s evolving economy.
Visitors can sample traditional dishes prepared by local chefs and food entrepreneurs while also exploring exhibits by artisans whose work reflects the resilience and ingenuity of Western Visayas enterprises.
Organizers said the expo is not only a cultural showcase but also a call to action for consumers, institutions, and visitors to support local MSMEs that play a crucial role in job creation and regional development.
The Western Visayas Gastronomy & Creative Expo 2026 is open to the public at the SM City Iloilo Event Center throughout the week, offering a platform to experience — and support — the region’s growing creative and gastronomic economy.
The event is backed by the Regional Development Council, with support from its Economic Development Committee, reflecting the region’s policy push to integrate culture-based industries into its broader development agenda./PN
