BY GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA
This year’s Saulog Festival generated more than ₱13 million in direct economic activity through its food and trade bazaar and various festival events providing a significant boost to local entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the month-long celebration.
Data from the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (CEDIPO) showed that the Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi Food and Good Bazaar recorded total receipts of ₱12,869,834 from April 8 to May 2, 2026.
The annual bazaar served as one of the festival’s primary commercial attractions, drawing residents and visitors to support local vendors.
A total of 75 exhibitors participated in the bazaar, including 62 food concessionaires and 13 non-food merchants, offering a wide variety of products that contributed to the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Festival-related commerce also extended beyond the bazaar grounds.
Vendors stationed at the Saulog Street Dancing and Ritual Showdown on April 26 generated ₱161,580 in receipts at the CPG Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, concessionaires participating during the Saulog Festival King and Queen competition on April 22 recorded close to ₱100,000 in earnings in a single evening.
Additional business activity was likewise generated during the Maoy sa Mayo further increasing the overall economic contribution of the festival.
Atty. Vincent Louie Raotraot, head of CEDIPO, said the figures demonstrate the growing capacity of Saulog to create opportunities for local enterprises while attracting spending from both residents and visitors.
Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the results, noting that the festival continues to deliver benefits that extend beyond entertainment and cultural celebration.
“Saulog has become an important platform for our local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and expand their markets.
Beyond preserving our traditions, the festival helps stimulate business activity, create livelihood opportunities, and circulate income within our communities,” Mayor Yap said.
The impact of Saulog reaches multiple sectors of the local economy, including transportation, food services, retail trade, accommodation establishments, and tourism-related enterprises.
With attendance and commercial participation continuing to grow each year, the city government sees the festival as an important contributor to Tagbilaran’s broader economic development efforts.