One Cebu Expo draws huge crowd

CEBU, Philippines - The Obra Negosyo Enhancement Countryside Enterprise Business Upliftment (ONE CEBU) Expo was formally opened yesterday led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

With more than 400 exhibitors, Garcia said that this year’s exhibit is “even bigger, more colorful and more grand.”

The One Cebu Expo, which started in 2008 with only 134 exhibitors, has registered 75,000 visitors during its 10-day run last year, the biggest attendance so far.

“Pagka daku na’g kalainan sa pagsugod nato, (There is a huge difference from when we first started.)” said Garcia in her speech.

Garcia said this year’s expo has the most number of participants and gathered sectors like the students, youth, business, academe, the consular corps, local officials, and the micro, small and medium enterprises.

The expo, which runs for two weeks, puts together under one roof, Cebu’s world class products in furniture, fashion accessories, gifts, toys and housewares.

It also provides a space for the local government units in the province to promote their native delicacies and tourist sites during the event.

“This is what One Cebu is all about, One Cebu can never be One Cebu without the Cebuanos,” she said.

Garcia recalled that One Cebu Expo was first launched amidst the looming recession in the United States and some parts of Europe when the export market suddenly became bleak.

“I believe that what had started as an attempt to caution the negative effects of that recession then has in fact produced an expo that has now become a showcase truly of world-class products from all of our industries,” Garcia said.

Batangas Vice Gov. Jose Antonio “Marc” Leviste II and Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño attended the activity while Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and most members of the Provincial Board were not present.

 “Nalipay ta naa tay mga bisita, ila ni nga recognition sa atong mga nahimo dinhi, (We are happy to welcome visitors. This is their recognition of our efforts.)” Garcia said.

In fact, Casiño put up his own exhibit booth promoting the advocacy of “Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy.”

“Hats off talaga ako sa kay Gov. Gwen and the provincial government for having the vision na magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng event, (…for having the vision to have this kind of event.)” Casiño told reporters.

Garcia hopes that after her term expires next year, the One Cebu expo shall be “Padayunon Jud (We will continue.)” apparently referring to the nickname of her brother, gubernatorial aspirant Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia. - THE FREEMAN