The Partner Region Program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) both in the Gifts and Housewares and Food sectors is a breakthrough for entrepreneurs of Region VIII. For the first time since its conception, Region VIII was the only one chosen to be the partner region for two years in succession. In 2002, Eastern Visayas was chosen as partner of the Gifts and Housewares (Manila FAME) sector and in 2003, in the Food Sector during the Asian Ethnic Food Festival (AEFF) at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on November 21-23. Eastern Visayas entrepreneurs proved equal to the challenges of the program and the performance of both sectors in their events was successful.

Region VIII exhibitors generated a total of PHP102,332 in cash sales, PHP5,700 in booked sales and $US8,100 under negotiation.

The food products of Eastern Visayas were featured in a special setting as well as in the cooking demos of Glenda Barreto of Via Mare (famous restaurant in Metro Manila) expounding on the merits and versatility of podpod as a cooking ingredient for a variety of recipes.

Four products developed through the program were nominated to the Trendiest Philippine Product Contest. These are: binagol, moron, podpod and seaweed pickles.

The quesio (cottage cheese) from Gandara, Samar created interest among buyers and was even featured in one newspaper article.

The Festival opened new doors for the exhibitors. New and improved packaging and labels are now acceptable among buyers.

Region VIII's participation made a significant impact to the program in the sense that before the show, there were plans of removing the Partner Region Program in any of the CITEM shows. The success of Region VIII's participation in the AEFF 2003 prompted the reinstatement of the program into future shows.

The Partner Region Program of CITEM has the following components: product development, packaging (product and labels), training and marketing.