By Helen Castaño | 04:33 PM July 16, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL — Amid a vibrant showcase of local creativity and enterprise, a new face has joined the ranks of artisans and entrepreneurs at this year’s Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo 2025.
For the first time, Engr. Riche Cutamora Ibale, 35, of R & G Shells Trading is participating in the weeklong trade fair held at the Island City Mall Activity Center. His booth, a colorful display of handcrafted chandeliers, wall décors, and shell-framed mirrors, stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but for the story behind it.
Based in Barangay Tapal, Ubay, R & G Shells Trading is the only shellcraft manufacturer in Bohol. Established in 2019, the business has weathered challenges, including the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it’s more than a business—it’s a livelihood lifeline for local residents, especially fishermen and farmers seeking alternative sources of income.
“This is our chance to show both local and international buyers that Bohol has its own shellcraft industry,” Ibale shared, noting the meticulous preparations his team undertook leading up to the event. “Each piece we display is made with patience and pride.”
The intricate designs of R & G’s shell products are not only testaments to fine craftsmanship but also to the island’s coastal heritage. Every mirror frame and lighting fixture carries echoes of Bohol’s shoreline culture, blending tradition with innovation.
Ibale is among the 140 exhibitors from Bohol and neighboring provinces participating in this year’s trade fair, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (BEDIPO).
The event is part of the month-long Sandugo Festival celebration and runs until July 20.
Held annually, the Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo is a flagship platform of DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program, aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by giving them space to promote, expand, and connect with new markets.
DTI Region VII Acting Regional Director Esperanza Melgar emphasized on Monday’s opening the significance of the event, saying, “This annual gathering, held in conjunction with Bohol’s vibrant Sandugo Festival, is more than just a trade fair. It is a celebration of Filipino creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
In a message of support, Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to nurturing local enterprise. “We must respond to the needs of our MSMEs to support Bohol’s inclusive and resilient growth,” he said. “We must unlock the potential that lies ahead.”
As the expo continues, exhibitors like Ibale hope to not only attract buyers but also inspire others to rediscover traditional crafts as a means of livelihood and cultural pride.
With every shell polished and every product displayed, Bohol’s homegrown talents continue to prove that local ingenuity has a place on the global stage.
