FILE / Official facebook page of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia
CEBU CITY – The five-day 1Cebu Expo 2023, featuring Cebu’s renowned homegrown products, cuisine and tourist attractions kicked off Wednesday in line with the 454th founding anniversary of Cebu province.
For the first time, the three independent cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu also joined as exhibitors.
In her speech, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the 1Cebu Expo this year shows how the island recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the devastation from Typhoon Odette in 2021.
“Because we are united, we are strong. Very very strong. So don’t mess with us,” Garcia said.
“Do not test this unity because it is a formidable one. And it is ready to show as it is now showing how formidably united we are with all of the products on display.”
“Indeed what a journey this has been but the journey continues, fasten your seatbelt because I see up ahead great heights, even greater achievements for this wonderful, unique and special one Cebu island, the best is yet to come.”
Products on display at the SM Seaside City Cebu include the handwoven Argao Hablon as well as banig or woven mats from Badian and San Francisco.
Varieties of Cebu lechon from both Carcar City and Talisay City were also showcased.
Native bags and furniture from Sogod town and coconut fabric from Pinamungajan were also on exhibit.
Cebu’s only homegrown coffee from Tuburan town also had its own booth.
Lapu-Lapu City featured its shell crafts and its local martial arts, arnis, which is believed to have been practiced during the time of Datu Lapulapu.
Tourist attractions such as whaleshark watching in Oslob, canyoneering in Alegria and Badian, as well as sardine run and diving in Moalboal likewise drew a lot of attention.
The 1Cebu expo runs until August 20, 2023.