Local entrepreneurs in Isabela City showcase their products during the 2-day Business Summit and Expo at Isabela City gymnasium.
ISABELA CITY (PIA) — The local government here held a business summit and expo, marking a pivotal step in the city’s drive for inclusive economic growth and sustainable investment.
Mayor Sitti-Djalia Turabin-Hataman underscored the importance of fostering innovation and resilience among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the local economy.
She emphasized the need to strengthen the engagement between the local government and the business community, citing the importance of improving visibility, impact, and participation among local entrepreneurs. She highlighted the city’s collaboration with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and called for proactive efforts to build bridges where they don’t yet exist.
Grace Aduca, Provincial Director of DTI Zamboanga City and Isabela City, visit MSMEs booth at the Business Summit
Meanwhile, Provincial Director Grace Aduca of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Zamboanga City and Isabela City, articulated her firm belief in Isabela City’s immense potential for trade and industry growth, emphasizing the critical role of leadership and community engagement in achieving sustainable economic development.
She noted that 99.9% of enterprises in Isabela City, like the rest of the nation, are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMES), highlighting their pivotal role as the backbone of the economy.
“Alam naman natin na 99.9 percent ng ating businesses here hindi lang sa Isabela City but the whole nation ay composed ng mga MSMEs or micro small and medium enterprises so dapat tugunan talaga ang kanilang issues and concerns dahil sila ang bumubuhay ng ating ekonomiya,” she stressed.
Addressing the operational challenges businesses face, Aduca identified the importance of maintaining low costs for essential services such as power, water, and internet access.
“Although may problema tayo sa power but with this summit, we hope na matugunan talaga ang problema ng power dito sa Isabela City. Business friendly din ang Isabela City at makikita yan sa dami ng businesses ngayon dito. Isa itong proof na maganda mag invest sa Isabela City,” she said.
Aduca also stressed the importance of reciprocation between the local government and the business sector, stressing that both sides need to work together.
While businesses seek support from the LGU, they must also provide input and engagement in local governance. Highlighting the cooperative spirit needed for a thriving economy, she asserted that active communication and partnership are essential to overcome challenges and to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Looking ahead, Aduca expressed optimism for a productive future for Isabela City post-summit, paving the way for robust dialogues that translate into tangible results for MSMEs.
With the theme “Kabuhayan at Negosyo – Asenso Isabelenyo,” Isabela City’s business summit and expo is designed to promote sustainable economic growth and inspire entrepreneurial spirit among Isabeleños. (EDT/NDR/PIA Basilan)
