The 18th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2025 lit up the World Trade Center in Pasay City from May 22 to 24, bringing together the best of Filipino food creativity. This vibrant event was a feast for the senses, showcasing everything from fresh fruits and regional delicacies to innovative snacks ready to conquer global markets.
Senator Villar: Championing Filipino-Made Goodness
Senator Mark Villar, a passionate advocate for local products, kicked off the event with a heartfelt message about the power of Filipino ingenuity. “It’s inspiring to see so many regions coming together to showcase what makes our food unique,” he said. Villar’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) law, passed in 2023, has been a game-changer for small businesses, especially in rural areas. By supporting events like IFEX, Villar believes Filipino MSMEs are stepping onto the world stage with confidence.
Regional Flavors Take Center Stage
IFEX 2025 was a true celebration of diversity. From Isabela’s 15 MSMEs offering refreshing beverages and gourmet snacks to Central Visayas’ 18 entrepreneurs showcasing coconut products, every region brought its best. Adding to the mix were 13 food enterprises from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, carefully groomed through DTI mentoring programs to meet export standards. DTI Provincial Director Jesusa Abear explained, “We don’t just throw our local enterprises into international events immediately. We start grooming them from the ground up.” These MSMEs connected with global buyers eager to explore Filipino flavors, supported by local government units.
The Star of the Show: Guimaras Mangoes
No IFEX would be complete without showcasing the world-famous Guimaras mangoes—the Philippines’ first agricultural product with Geographical Indication status. Thanks to a team effort by DTI, CITEM, and FAST Logistics, two tons of these sweet, juicy mangoes stole the spotlight. Cultural performances and a lively mango-slicing contest added to the festive vibe, putting Guimaras on the global map as a symbol of Filipino pride and resilience.
