The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Occidental has successfully held its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Summit in Ozamiz City, bringing together local entrepreneurs, business owners, and government officials to discuss strategies for economic growth and business development across the province.
The summit, which took place in late June 2026, featured discussions on access to financing, market expansion, digital transformation for small businesses, and the latest government support programs available to MSMEs. Representatives from various sectors across Misamis Occidental attended, including retailers, food producers, manufacturers, and service providers from Ozamiz City and neighboring municipalities.
“Our goal is to empower our local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to grow their businesses,” said DTI MisOcc Provincial Director. “MSMEs are the backbone of our local economy, and by providing them with the right support and connections, we can create more jobs and improve livelihoods across the province.”
Key highlights of the summit included sessions on leveraging e-commerce platforms and social media marketing for small businesses, understanding tax compliance and business registration requirements, and accessing government financing programs such as the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) micro financing program. Participants also had the opportunity to network with potential suppliers, buyers, and mentors during the business matching sessions.
Several MSME owners from Ozamiz City expressed their appreciation for the summit. One local food processor shared, “I learned so much about how to expand my market online and access funding. This summit gave me the confidence to take my business to the next level.”
DTI MisOcc has committed to sustaining the momentum through regular mentoring sessions, business clinic schedules across the province, and the establishment of a one-stop-shop facilitation center in Ozamiz City to assist aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. The agency also plans to hold similar summits quarterly to ensure continuous support for the local business community.