TACLOBAN CITY –The rich culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of Eastern Visayas take center stage once again as the Bahandi Trade Fair celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Staged by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 8, the milestone event set at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from October 9 to 13, 2025 will showcase the best of the region’s homegrown products.

The Bahandi Trade Fair has grown from a modest regional expo into a nationally recognized platform that promotes local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran and bridged local communities to national and global markets.

“This year is not just a celebration of our products, but of the perseverance and innovation of our entrepreneurs, 25 years after the very first Bahandi was started,” DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato said.

Among the highlights of the fair are the established products featuring artisanal goods like coco sugar, binagol, suman Balintawak, keseyo, tuba, finely woven banig mats, tikog handicrafts, and upcycled fashion pieces made from abaca and other native fibers.

Included in the newer innovation for this year’s Bahandi is the fossilized cacao leaves of Biliran province which are made into durable and artistic handicraft materials. This involves the process of “semi-fossilization” or skeletonization. The skeletonized leaves are used to create products like lampshades, decorations, and other ornamental items, transforming agricultural waste into valuable and income-generating goods for local communities and artisans.

Leyte will be debuting three new products including kaftan, a long, loose-fitting garment with wide sleeves which can be spun from silk, made from bamboo, linen, cotton, or any other kind of flowy fabric. They can be simple pieces for casual day wear or on the beach or ornate as an excellent choice for an evening party. Also, Leyte will be bringing coconut products such as coconut coffee, a drink that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the creamy, tropical taste of coconut; and, coconut syrup, a sweet, coconut-flavored syrup commonly used in drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes.

With a total of 141 exhibitors that will feature sectoral products such as processed foods, coffee, cacao, coconut, dairy, aquamarine, wearables and homestyles, beauty and wellness, the DTI eyes a P43 million sales target.

Last year’s 158 exhibitors raked in a total of P48 million in sales. The DTI provincial offices are positive they can surpass the sales target considering the tight screening they have followed for the products to be showcased.

Eastern Visayas is rich in natural resources, cultural heritage and artistic expression. “Bahandi”, which is a “Winaray” term for treasures, has consistently showcased this abundance, from handcrafted fashion accessories and artisanal foods to heritage-inspired housewares and furniture.

These products, shaped by the island-living lifestyle of Region 8, have found their way into both local and global markets, gaining recognition for their authenticity and craftmanship.
“We are proud of how far we have come and we look forward to where our creativity and unity will take us next,” Dir. Bato said.

As the silver anniversary of Bahandi unfolds, it continues to serve as a shining example of how local ingenuity, when nurtured and supported, can thrive on the national and global stage – one product, one story, one innovation at a time.

(AHLETTE C. REYES,PIA-8)