CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — MAFBEX Cebu 2026 is set to bring together food enthusiasts, culinary professionals, industry players, and local producers for a four-day celebration of food, hospitality, and culinary innovation from September 10–13, 2026, at the IEC Convention Center Cebu.
As MAFBEX Cebu continues to build a platform for the region’s food and beverage industry, this year’s event will feature a lineup of government-led showcases and culinary competitions designed to spotlight local produce, Filipino flavors, and emerging culinary talent.
Among the event’s highlights are special showcases, presentations, and activities from the Department of Agriculture Region VII, Department of Agriculture Region XI, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), bringing the rich agricultural and fisheries products, flavors, technical expertise, and innovative opportunities of the Philippines’ food and agriculture sector into focus.
The Department of Agriculture Region VII will highlight the UBE Festival in Cebu, celebrating the versatility and growing potential of ube as a proudly Filipino ingredient. The showcase will highlight ube’s role in Filipino cuisine while providing visitors with an opportunity to discover its various applications in food and beverage products.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture Region XI will feature the Tropical Fruits and Durian Festival in Cebu, showcasing the diversity and quality of tropical fruits while putting a special spotlight on durian. The festival will introduce visitors to the region’s locally grown produce and highlight the growing opportunities in the food and agricultural industry.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will feature Red Tilapia (Plapla), highlighting its potential as a nutritious and versatile aquaculture product. The showcase will introduce visitors to the qualities, uses, and opportunities surrounding red tilapia while promoting the value of locally produced fish and sustainable aquaculture.
The Department of Science and Technology will conduct a series of technical seminars and workshops designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, skills, and technical insights relevant to the food, agriculture, and related industries. These sessions aim to strengthen participants’ capabilities and promote the adoption of science, technology, and innovation in their respective fields.
Adding excitement to the four-day event is a series of competitions that will bring culinary creativity, technical skill, and Filipino food culture to center stage.
The Cake Decorating Competition will showcase the artistry and creativity of participants through intricate cake designs, while the Fruit Carving Competition will transform fresh produce into eye-catching works of edible art.
The Pasta Live Cookery Competition, an interschool competition, will put culinary skills and creativity on display as student participants create pasta dishes in a live cooking setting. Meanwhile, the Tour Guiding Competition: Food Destinations Edition will highlight the connection between food, culture, tourism, and local destinations, showcasing how culinary experiences can become an important part of discovering Cebu and the Philippines.
The Market Basket Competition, an interschool competition, will challenge student participants to demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and culinary skills through a curated basket of ingredients. Meanwhile, the Flair Cup Competition will showcase participants’ skill, precision, and showmanship in the art of flair bartending.
Capping the competition lineup is the MAFBEX Cebu Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition, which will put the spotlight on homegrown culinary talent and celebrate the passion and creativity of home cooks.
More than an exhibition, MAFBEX Cebu 2026 aims to create a space where food businesses, culinary institutions, students, professionals, producers, and consumers can connect, discover new opportunities, and celebrate the diverse flavors of the region.
With its combination of industry showcases, government-led food festivals, culinary competitions, and immersive experiences, MAFBEX Cebu 2026 is poised to become a major gathering point for Cebu’s dynamic food and hospitality community.
Organized by Worldbex Services International (WSI), MAFBEX Cebu 2026 will take place on September 10–13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the IEC Convention Center Cebu.
Join MAFBEX Cebu 2026 for four days of food, culinary creativity, local flavors, and industry opportunities in the heart of Cebu.
