By Mikee Natinga Norico

Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr., Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center; Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Chairperson of the Sustainable Campus Committee; Mr. Iñigo D. Garingalao, Iloilo City Agriculturist; and university key stakeholders, together with local exhibitors, pose for a photo during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 4th Merkado Lokal @ Central.

Central Philippine University (CPU), in collaboration with the Iloilo City Government and the Office of the City Agriculturist, opened the 4th Merkado Lokal @ Central from August 19 to 20, 2026, at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park. This year’s celebration carries the theme “From Community to University: Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities,” bringing together local exhibitors showcasing farm produce, marine goods, and other local products.

The event began with registration and an opening prayer led by Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Chairperson of the Sustainable Campus Committee, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered the opening message, emphasizing the university’s commitment to strengthening its ties with local communities and supporting initiatives that create opportunities for local producers and entrepreneurs.

Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr., Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center, welcomed the participating communities, organizations, exhibitors, and partners and highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing community-based enterprises.

Local exhibitors showcase farm produce, marine goods, and other local products during Day 1 of the 4th Merkado Lokal @ Central at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.

Mr. Iñigo D. Garingalao, Head of the Office of the City Agriculturist, expressed the Iloilo City Government’s support for the initiative and its efforts to promote local agricultural products and enterprises. Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, delivered the inspirational message, underscoring the role of partnerships among the university, government, and communities in creating sustainable opportunities and supporting local development.

The formal opening of the Merkado Lokal @ Central was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; and Mr. Iñigo D. Garingalao, Head of the Office of the City Agriculturist, together with officials from the Iloilo City Government. The ceremony signaled the start of two days of activities centered on innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration.

On its first day, the event featured product selling and exhibitions, a community-based enterprise showcase, and a local produce and food fair, providing participating communities and exhibitors with an avenue to promote their products and engage with members of the university and the wider community.

As Day 2 unfolds, Merkado Lokal @ Central continues to offer a dynamic space for exhibitors and attendees to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the agricultural and entrepreneurial spirit of the community. The CPU community invites everyone to drop by and support local products while learning from innovators and changemakers across the region.

Merkado Lokal @ Central continues to serve as a testament to CPU’s commitment to service, sustainability, and inclusive growth, providing a venue where farmers, fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, and students come together to build a better tomorrow.