Central Visayas targets agricultural tourism hub
THE Department of Agriculture and Informa Markets officially open the Regional Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2026 expo at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu City on Wednesday, offering free technical seminars for local farmers and industry stakeholders.
Photograph courtesy of DA-Central Visayas
The inaugural Regional Livestock and Aquaculture Assembly launched Wednesday in Cebu City, establishing a regional hub aimed at modernizing the agriculture, poultry and aquaculture sectors across the Visayas.
The premier international trade exhibition gathers global suppliers, local producers and industry leaders to address climate dynamics, biosecurity threats and market opportunities across the central Philippines.
“The launch of the very first regional shows in Cebu strategically expands the organizational reach to directly support and cover the vibrant, high-potential agricultural market in the Visayas region,” said Rungphech Chitanuwat, country general manager of Informa Markets Philippines.
Co-located with specialized trade fairs and technical conferences, the event showcases high-efficiency machinery, sustainable farming practices and smart agricultural technologies.
Participants gain access to technical seminars and networking platforms intended to streamline production chains and bolster climate resilience.
Agriculture employs nearly 20 percent of the Filipino workforce and contributes 7.5 percent to the national gross domestic product.
Livestock, poultry and aquaculture account for more than a third of total agricultural output, making modernization essential for protecting food security, stabilizing prices and mitigating risks such as African swine fever and typhoons.
Organizers noted that the assembly serves as a critical bridge between local producers and global advancements.
“By combining forces, we are creating an elite space for producers, industry leaders, and researchers to build lasting alliances, tap into new markets, and turn shared innovation into long-term prosperity,” said Rey Calooy, chairperson of the Philippine Inno Ventures Agriculture Cooperative.
In addition to delegates from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, exhibitors from seven foreign countries —including Taiwan, China, Singapore, the Netherlands and Thailand — are displaying technology solutions at the assembly.