By Rachel Magday
More than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Cagayan Valley region have converged at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center,Provincial Capitol,Bayombong for the 3rd Regional MSME Summit 2025, a two-day event dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs and boosting regional economic growth.
The summit, which runs until tomorrow, is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cagayan Valley in partnership with the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. This year’s theme, “Asenso Negosyo, Angat Kabuhayan: Bagong Pilipinas,” underscores the drive to uplift businesses and improve livelihoods through government support, innovation, and collaboration.
DTI Regional Director for Cagayan Valley, Ma. Sofia Narag, highlighted in her message that the summit brings together national government agencies, MSMEs, and other organizations to make vital government services and programs more accessible to entrepreneurs. Over the two-day event, representatives from these agencies will detail how their programs can help MSMEs scale up and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Although Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose V. Gambito was unable to attend the summit due to another equally important engagement, he conveyed his strong support for the DTI and its initiatives.
Governor Gambito emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in driving inclusive local economic growth and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to partnering with the DTI in sustaining programs that address the needs of small businesses. He also encouraged MSMEs to seize the opportunities offered by the summit to further develop their enterprises and contribute to the province’s progress.
Key local leaders, including Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph Cayton and Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo, were also in attendance and expressed their full support for the DTI and its programs for MSMEs. Both officials underscored the importance of strengthening the MSME sector as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Nueva Vizcaya and the entire Cagayan Valley region.
Among the highlights of this year’s summit are new events such as a trade fair, a product standards showcase, and a “Diskwento Caravan,” all aimed at supporting and promoting MSMEs in the region. These activities provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to display their products, learn about quality standards, and access discounted goods and services.
