Iloilo Trio Expo opens with over 400 exhibitors

By Aiya Cantomayor, Estrella Urquiola, and Jei Mari Manuel Villagracia

Government and business leaders on Thursday underscored the role of the Iloilo Trio Expo in expanding trade, attracting investments, and strengthening tourism, as the four-day exposition opened with more than 400 exhibitors from the Philippines and across Asia.

Now on its fourth staging, the Iloilo Trio Expo combines the Philippine Building and Construction Exposition (PHILBEX) Iloilo, the Iloilo Foods and Beverages Exposition, and the Travel and Leisure Expo (TLEX) Iloilo into a single platform aimed at promoting commerce and fostering public-private collaboration in Western Visayas.

The Iloilo Convention Center has hosted the Worldbex-organized trio every year since 2023. In December, the venue was named the Philippines’ Best Convention Centre for 2025 by the World MICE Awards, reinforcing Iloilo City’s bid to rank among the country’s top meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions destinations.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said Worldbex’s return to the city for the fourth consecutive year reflects the confidence of the private sector in Iloilo’s business environment and economic growth.

“It is a testament not only to our modern facilities, growing economy, and vibrant business community, but most importantly to the warmth, hospitality, and welcoming spirit of every Ilonggo,” she said.

The mayor added that the continued staging of the event signals that Iloilo is making strides in industrial development while positioning itself as a destination for business events and investments.

Iloilo City Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love-love” Baronda described PHILBEX as more than a showcase of products and technologies, saying it serves as a venue where architects, builders, entrepreneurs, and innovators work together to shape sustainable communities.

“As Iloilo continues to grow, our challenge is not simply to build more, but to build better,” she said.

Aulyn Yue Sin, head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Center of Iloilo province, said the event serves as more than a venue for showcasing products and services, describing it as a platform where industries converge, ideas are developed, and partnerships are forged.

“It brings together the builders of infrastructure, the drivers of manufacturing, the innovators of agri-business, and the champions of tourism, all united as one,” she said.

Sin added that the provincial government views development not only in terms of physical infrastructure and investments but also through the opportunities it creates for businesses, the enterprises it empowers, and the jobs it generates for local communities.

Worldbex Services International (WSI) Managing Director Jill Ang said the four-day expo is more than a product showcase, describing it as a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships that continue to drive business growth and regional development.

Department of Tourism Region 6 (DOT-6) Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said the sustained success of the Iloilo Trio Expo demonstrates the importance of collaboration.

“The continued success of the Iloilo Trio is a testament to what strong partnerships between government and the private sector can achieve in growing Philippine tourism,” she said.

Mutya Eusores, officer in charge of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 (DTI-6), said infrastructure, tourism, and commerce play interconnected roles in driving regional development.

“PHILBEX reminds us that infrastructure remains a foundation for economic progress. On the other hand, TLEX reinforces the truth that we in DTI strongly believe in: tourism supports trade, and trade supports tourism,” she said.

The exposition, organized by Worldbex Services International, runs through July 12 at the Iloilo Convention Center.