PHP 20 million Carles food hub breaks ground

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A PHP 20 million food hub will soon rise at Bancal Port in Carles, providing farmers, fisherfolk, and local food producers with a permanent venue to sell their products while supporting tourism in northern Iloilo.

The Iloilo provincial government broke ground for the 500-square-meter facility on July 22 as part of its efforts to promote agritourism and improve market access for local producers.

The food hub will feature a restaurant and vendor stalls offering seafood from Carles and other agricultural products.

It is also expected to serve as a trading area for small-scale farmers, fisherfolk, and local entrepreneurs.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the project supports the provincial government’s tourism campaign, “Fun, Foodie, Friendly sa Kabanwahanan,” which promotes Iloilo’s festivals, cuisine, and hospitality.

“We want our tourists to be comfortable when they visit our province. We are investing in tourism infrastructure not just for our visitors but also for our local traders and vendors,” Defensor said.

He said the project also aims to strengthen the province’s food resources and production.

The facility will cater to travelers bound for the Gigantes Group of Islands and Sicogon Island, two of Carles’ major tourist destinations.

Carles Mayor Arnold Betita II thanked the provincial government for bringing the project to the municipality.

Provincial Tourism Officer Aulynn Yue Sin said the province would also provide capacity-building programs for vendors and producers.

The programs will include training on food safety, food handling, and product development to help ensure the facility’s long-term operation.

“This will serve as a takeoff point for our tourists. It will be a place where visitors can gather and enjoy the local delicacies that Carles has to offer. We want to showcase the fun, foodie, and friendly side of the province of Iloilo,” Yue Sin said.

The Carles facility is the first of three food hubs planned by the provincial government.

Similar facilities are also planned in Concepcion and Estancia as part of efforts to strengthen local value chains and promote food tourism across northern Iloilo.