"Pasko sa Tersero" Keeps Christmas Spirit, Cebuano Heritage Alive for Shoppers
CEBU CITY — The Christmas season is already making its presence felt in Cebu Province through "Pasko sa Tersero," the final leg of the Our Cebu initiative, held Sept. 18 to 20 at the Atrium, Level 1, of Robinsons Galleria Cebu. Spearheaded by the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, the event showcased products from towns in the province's third district — Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan.
"Behind every peso is a Cebuano story, a local entrepreneur, a family, and a community whose hard work and creativity have reached new audiences," said Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Baricuatro Catalan-Vizcayno, who stood in for Gov. Pamela Baricuatro at the launch. The governor is currently in Nanning, China, for the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026.
More Than Just Shopping
Truth be told, Pasko sa Tersero wasn't just about shopping. The event didn't only give shoppers the chance to taste and buy homegrown products from the third district — it also put the spotlight on the traditions and practices that make each Cebuano community stand out from the rest.
Dr. Jose Eleazar R. Bersales, Capitol consultant on culture and heritage, underscored the importance of reviving Cebu's traditional practices, urging communities to "ma pukaw balik ang mga karaan," or bring back the old ways that help set Cebu apart. He also pointed to local traditions, food, and traditional methods of preparation as part of the province's identity — practices that can be preserved while giving communities a chance to earn and take pride in their heritage.
The celebration also showed the economic potential of giving local entrepreneurs a shot at wider markets. According to the report, the five most recent Our Cebu programs, held since the start of Gov. Baricuatro's administration, have generated total accumulated sales of ₱1,855,973.
Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, for his part, stressed the importance of local government support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in giving them access to capital and markets to create sustainable opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
For shopper Pearl Manzano, the bazaar was a chance to discover products from different parts of Cebu. "Nalipay ko nga naay mga bazaar nga ing'-ani kay makatilaw ta'g lain-lain product sa province," she said.
Pasundayag Caps Off the Final Leg
Adding to the Christmas atmosphere was "Pasundayag sa Distrito," which featured dance and musical presentations celebrating the culture of the participating communities. Robinsons Malls Central and Eastern Visayas Operations Director Alan Anthony P. Armamento described the gathering as the final event of Our Cebu, and said he's hoping it will inspire unity and continued partnership among stakeholders.
As the final leg of Our Cebu, Pasko sa Tersero brought together Cebuano products, traditions, entrepreneurs, and consumers in the spirit of Christmas. But for Catalan-Vizcayno, the end of the final leg doesn't mean the journey is over. "Our Cebu does not end here," she said. While the journey has reached its final leg, she said the stories, connections, and opportunities built through the initiative will carry on well beyond the three-day celebration.
Practical Details
Date: September 18-20, 2026
Location: Atrium, Level 1, Robinsons Galleria Cebu
Towns showcased: Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan
In attendance: Third District Board Member Lorenz Lagon; Provincial Administrator Joseph Ace Durano; representatives from Tourism 7 and DTI 7; Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug of Balamban; Mayor Joy Perrales of Toledo City; Mayor Cesar Ignatius Moreno of Aloguinsan; representatives from other participating LGUs; and officials and representatives of Robinsons Galleria Cebu
QUICK SUMMARY
What: "Pasko sa Tersero," the final leg of the Our Cebu initiative, showcasing products and traditions from the third district
Where: Atrium, Level 1, Robinsons Galleria Cebu
When: September 18-20, 2026
Who benefits: Local entrepreneurs and communities in Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan
Source: Cebu Provincial Government PIO (Capitol PIO); Photos by YJB, ASC