By Asst. Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

Selected local entrepreneurs, vendors, urban poor women, fisherfolk, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and business students participated in the 4th Merkado Lokal at Central.

On August 19–20, 2026, Central Philippine University (CPU), in partnership with the City Agriculture Office of Iloilo City, organized the 4th Merkado Lokal at Central. This social development initiative provided a venue for local vendors, fisherfolk, farmers, and business students to showcase and promote their products and produce to the University community and the general public.

The initiative aims to support local enterprises and community-based producers by increasing public awareness of their products and services. It also serves as a platform for networking and partnership-building among entrepreneurs, government agencies, educational institutions, and other organizations that can contribute to the growth and sustainability of local businesses.

In addition to CPU and the City Agriculture Office of Iloilo City, the activity was conducted in collaboration with several University units and organizations, including the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC), Rank and File Labor Union–Federation of Free Workers (RAFLU–FFW), Sustainable Campus Committee, and the CPU-GAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI).

Through this collaborative effort, the University continues to promote entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, community empowerment, and local economic development.