South Cotabato showcases local businesses at MSME Expo 2024

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The South Cotabato provincial government, through its South Cotabato Economic and Investment Promotion Center (SCEIPC), recently conducted the South Cotabato MSME Expo at the EMR Convention Center in Koronadal City.

The event, which carried the theme “Weaving Opportunities to the World,” aimed to support the growth, resilience, and sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) by providing market access, networking opportunities, capacity building, innovation support, policy advocacy, and socio-economic development.

The expo showcased entrepreneurs and products from members of the South Cotabato Food Industry Association and the Association of South Cotabato Crafters.

The expo, anchored on Executive Order No. 8, Series of 2024, was also known as the “Buy Lokal, Go Lokal Program of South Cotabato,” which aims to strengthen the local economy by fostering a supportive environment for MSMEs to thrive.

Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., who attended the event to show his support for the province’s local entrepreneurs, explained the initiative, which aims to strengthen the network and linkages of local MSMEs, promote local products, and encourage the community to support homegrown businesses.

In his speech, he emphasized that strengthening their MSMEs “will strengthen our economy here in South Cotabato,” adding that they are “doing this not for competition but to foster partnership, especially with the private sectors.”

“This initiative of gathering stakeholders both from the public and private boils down to the goal of achieving something through unity. We put value on our private sectors as vital partners of progress and development,” said Tamayo.

The event was one of the highlights of the province’s 25th Tnalak Festival and 58th Founding Anniversary, aligning with the nationwide celebration of MSME Month this July and emphasizing the province’s commitment to MSMEs’ growth and success.

“This expo serves as a vital platform to support and connect our MSMEs with a wealth of opportunities from a diverse group of suppliers, investors, government entities, and financial institutions. It creates a support network for our MSMEs,” said SCEIPC head and MSME Expo chair Tyron Jann B. Villanueva.

He pointed out that “this initiative is a direct response to the vision and direction set by Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., who is steadfast in his commitment to strengthening MSME support in our province.”

Villanueva expressed gratitude for the presence, support, collective planning, and unwavering dedication of local leaders, regional line agencies, private sector partners, and businessmen.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., were among the participating line agencies.

Section 16 of Republic Act No. 9501, also referred to as the Magna Carta for MSMEs, designates the second week of July annually as MSME Development (MSMED) week.

The primary purpose of the celebration was to raise awareness about the crucial role of MSMEs in nation-building.

DTI recently announced the creation of a new development plan for MSMEs, marking the fourth such plan since 2024, which outlines strategies through which the government can support MSMEs in adapting to the digital age.

According to DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, the MSME Development Plan 2023-2028 highlights essential tools for navigating the fourth industrial revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/SCEIPC/PIA SarGen)

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