Stronger ties between farmers, Cebu hospitality industry pushed

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THE Cebu Wine and Food Festival (CFWF) and the Cebu Provincial Government are exploring a partnership aimed at strengthening connections between local farmers and Cebu's hotel and restaurant sector, a move both groups say could boost food security, expand market access for producers, and further elevate the province's culinary tourism industry.

The collaboration emerged following discussions between CFWF organizers and Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro

ahead of the festival's fifth anniversary celebration in 2026.

"We really wanted to address what's happening in our city and how we can help build business forward," said Kate Anzani, member of the Cebu Wine and Food Festival Board of Directors.

"The board is made up of private sector leaders, and we came together as a think tank to ask how we can help Cebu. The governor has been so supportive and easy to talk to, and we're appreciative that she has addressed many of these concerns," she added.

Anzani said the festival is looking beyond food and wine celebrations to create meaningful economic opportunities for local producers and communities.

Baricuatro said she was excited by the discussions and the possibilities the festival presents not only for chefs, restaurants, and hotels but also for farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers across Cebu.

"Food security has always been one of my personal advocacies," Baricuatro said during the festival launch.

"Food is not just something we enjoy. It is connected to livelihood, agriculture, tourism, culture, and economic growth," Baricuatro added.

The governor highlighted plans to develop stronger farm-to-table partnerships through the festival, allowing local producers greater access to hospitality establishments while reducing reliance on middlemen.

"Imagine our local farmers having more direct access to hotels and restaurants. Imagine more Cebu-grown produce finding its way onto the tables of visitors from around the world," she said.

One of the initiatives being discussed is the inclusion of a farmers' market as part of the festival experience.

Baricuatro thanked Marco Polo Plaza Cebu for supporting the concept by providing space where farmers can directly sell their products.

"This is exactly the kind of collaboration we want to encourage — one that supports local producers while creating memorable experiences for residents and tourists alike," she said.

The governor added that the initiative aligns with the province's branding campaign positioning Cebu as the "Province of Charm."

"How can Cebu not be a province of charm when our warmth is reflected not only in our people but also in every dish we produce and proudly serve?" she said.

Beyond the festival, Baricuatro outlined several ongoing provincial food security initiatives, including the Agri-Link program, which connects agricultural producers with markets across Cebu.

Under the program, produce sourced from farming communities in southern Cebu is distributed to areas where demand and prices are higher, helping ensure more efficient food distribution throughout the province.

"We just have to connect everyone. We want to work with establishments like Marco Polo so farmers can sell directly to suppliers and manufacturers," Baricuatro said.

The governor also revealed plans for what she described as the largest mega food hub outside Metro Manila, a project being developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The proposed facility will be located in Naga City on the Balili property and is expected to address one of Cebu's longstanding agricultural challenges: the lack of post-harvest infrastructure.

"There is no refrigerated warehouse where farmers and fisherfolk can store their products after harvest. That shortens the lifespan of vegetables and other produce," Baricuatro said.

The future food hub will include post-harvest and cold storage facilities designed to reduce food waste, improve product quality, and strengthen supply chains throughout the province.

According to the governor, the project is currently undergoing planning and coordination with DA, with groundbreaking expected within the next few months.

Baricuatro also noted that the provincial government currently operates only four refrigerated vans, a number she described as insufficient to meet Cebu's growing agricultural logistics needs.

"When I came into office, there were only four, and there were barely any programs in the Provincial Agricultural Office. We are starting from scratch," she said.

The province is now in the process of procuring additional refrigerated vehicles to complement the future food hub, which is expected to benefit from Naga City's strategic location and port access linking northern and southern Cebu.

The Cebu Wine and Food Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2026, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, producers, and culinary enthusiasts.

Organizers and provincial officials hope the expanded collaboration will not only showcase Cebu's food culture but also create lasting economic opportunities for the communities that sustain it.

"The provincial government looks forward to exploring meaningful partnerships with the Cebu Wine and Food Festival," Baricuatro said, citing support for local

agriculture, expanded market access, food security, and food tourism as key priorities.(MyTVCebu)