Eastern Visayas MSMEs bring local products, creativity and heritage to a wider market
MANDALUYONG CITY — The rich products, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Eastern Visayas are taking center stage in Metro Manila as the 2026 Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair 2026 brings together micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the region.
Organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VIII, the five-day trade fair is being held from October 1 to 5, 2026, at Trade Hall 1, 5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, providing Eastern Visayas entrepreneurs with an important platform to showcase their products and connect with consumers and potential buyers.
This year’s trade fair features 96 MSMEs from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas—Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.
The participating enterprises are showcasing a diverse range of products, including food and delicacies, processed agricultural products, fashion and wearable items, handicrafts, furniture, artisanal décor, gift items and other creative products that reflect the region’s resources, traditions and innovation.
Bringing Eastern Visayas Products to Bigger Markets
The Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair serves as a major market-access initiative for the region’s MSMEs, enabling local entrepreneurs to introduce their products to a wider consumer base and establish connections with buyers, distributors and potential business partners.
For participating entrepreneurs, the event provides opportunities not only to generate sales but also to receive customer feedback, strengthen their brands, explore new markets and develop business connections beyond their home provinces.
DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina T. Bato said the trade fair demonstrates the diversity and strengths of Eastern Visayas MSMEs. She noted that the quality and variety of products are central to the region’s efforts to expand markets and create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
This year’s trade fair has a ₱48-million sales target, reflecting DTI-8’s expectations for the participating enterprises and the potential of Eastern Visayas products in the wider market.
Celebrating Eastern Visayas’ Treasures
The name “Bahandi”, a Visayan term meaning wealth or treasure, captures the essence of the trade fair—bringing the region’s locally produced goods, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial talent to consumers outside Eastern Visayas.
From traditional food and delicacies to contemporary fashion, crafts, furniture and innovative products, the exhibitors demonstrate how local resources and cultural traditions can be transformed into products that meet modern market preferences.
The fair also highlights the role of MSMEs in generating livelihood and employment opportunities while contributing to economic activity throughout the region.
A Platform for Growth and Opportunity
Beyond showcasing products, the Bahandi trade fair provides Eastern Visayas entrepreneurs with an avenue to strengthen their competitiveness and explore opportunities in larger markets.
DTI-8 continues to support MSMEs through market promotion, business development assistance and other interventions aimed at helping enterprises improve their products, expand their customer base and build stronger business networks.
DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut likewise highlighted the broader contribution of Eastern Visayas MSMEs, noting that innovation, investment and market opportunities can contribute to a stronger and more inclusive Philippine economy.
As the 2026 Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair continues at SM Megamall, visitors have the opportunity to discover products from across the six provinces while supporting entrepreneurs who carry the creativity, culture and enterprise of Eastern Visayas into new markets.
The trade fair runs until October 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with free admission.
Bahandi 2026 is more than a trade fair—it is a showcase of the treasures, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Eastern Visayas.
View some photos of the Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair 2026 at Eastern Visayas Communities Gallery.