The recently concluded One Pampanga Food and Beverages Expo (OPFBEX) proved to be more than a showcase of food products and culinary enterprises, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and business personalities to discuss the future of the country’s food sector.

Held at the SMX Convention Center Clark, the expo featured the Food Forward Forum on Saturday, focusing on challenges and opportunities surrounding food security, investment, sustainability, culinary tourism, and food-related businesses.

Among the featured speakers were Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez, Department of Tourism Regional Director Richard Daenos, Mekeni Food Corporation President Pruds Garcia, DARA Consulting President Mark Villaflor, TAO Corporation President Jun Sy, and Chef Felix Asuncion.

The opening ceremonies were led by Asuncion and Chie Basco, with DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato, Clark Development Corporation President Agnes Devanadera, and Pampanga Business Circle Founding Fellow Rene Romero among the guests.

Beyond the display and sale of food products, OPFBEX underscored the role of the food industry in strengthening local enterprises, creating opportunities, promoting culinary tourism, and contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure future.