Western Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo B. Benitez, who also chairs the National Economic Development Authority Board-Regional Development Committee Visayas Area Committee (NB-RDCom VAC), shared that the challenge of the RDC is to promote local products to the international market. 

"The challenge is for the Regional Development Council, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, to take the lead in providing bigger platforms for our products and promoting them internationally," he said during the opening of the One Visayas Creative Expo.

Representing the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) national president Enunina Mangio, RDC VII Economic Development Committee Chairperson Melanie Ng highlighted the collaborative project of the Visayas 

Ng believed that this initiative could serve as a model for other areas namely the National Capital Region, Luzon, and Mindanao, inspiring them to embark on a similar journey toward economic revitalization and cultural preservation.

The grand opening of the expo showcased the festivals from Kalibo, Aklan's Ati-Atihan, Cebu's Sinulog, and Iloilo City's Dinagyang.

It also featured a Crafts Demo of four creative MSMEs, namely the Women United Through Handcrafted Lace and Embroidery (WUTHLE), Banwa Pens, Nelanz, and Baje Weavers Association, who shared their skills in weaving, painting, and woodworking.

The week-long expo was a celebration of unity and a showcase of the best products, destinations, and festivals that the Visayas islands have to offer.  (AAL/ED/PIA 6)