BONTOC, Mountain Province — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gathered Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to a forum firming up their crucial role in shaping a stronger and more inclusive local economy.
This forum held on September 25 in Bontoc was one of the highlights of the 2025 Provincial MSME Summit with the theme, “Navigating the Next Frontiers of Growth and Empowering the Province through Entrepreneurship.”
Said event featured key topics such as “Strengthening the MSME Ecosystem and Building Capacity: Optimizing Institutional Support, Coordination, and Policy for Growth, Upscaling Knowledge and Skills for MSME Sustainability”, “Fueling Growth: MSME Digital Finance and Expanding Access to Sustainable and Scalable Financing”, and “Expanding Horizons: Enhancing Domestic Market Strategies for MSMEs in the Province”.
Some local entrepreneurs also shared testimonials on their journey to success largely achieved with resiliency and innovation.
DTI-Mountain Province provincial director Mabel Banggawan highlighted that the government will always provide help for MSMEs.
“You are not alone in your endeavors. The government is committed to standing by your side as we strive to create an environment where every entrepreneur has the tools to succeed.”
Banggawan also shared some of the programs that are making a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs across the nation. These include improving the MSME ecosystem, increasing financing prospects, upskilling knowledge and skills, accelerating technology and innovation, and expanding the domestic market.
Providing inspiration to the MSMEs, Vice Governor Jose Dominguez shared his experience of starting a small business (school supplies) and taking risks.
“It was through my small business that I was able to send my children to school and provide for their needs,” he said.
Other highlights of the Provincial MSME Summit 2025 included a mini trade fair featuring the products of the MSMEs, awarding of outstanding MSMEs, and launching of Consumer Month through a kapihan.
PIA PHOTO
