DTI empowers Dinagat Islands’ local entrepreneurs at MSME Summit
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Province of Dinagat Islands hosted the Dinagat Islands MSME Summit 2026 with the theme “Navigating the Shifts: Building Resilient and Future-Ready MSMEs.”
Held on August 4 at the Provincial Guest Center in Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, the summit brought together micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the province for a day of learning, collaboration, and empowerment.
DTI Dinagat Islands Director Elmer M. Natad encouraged local entrepreneurs to continue embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and maximizing available government programs to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. “Let us proactively find ways to survive and make ourselves future-ready. Amid unexpected challenges, we continue to do business and contribute to our communities.”
This year’s MSME Summit featured engaging discussions led by representatives from various government agencies. Dean Joshua Solis, project development officer of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), discussed digital initiatives and opportunities to help MSMEs improve their competitiveness in the digital economy. Director Abegail B. Eupeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) highlighted the importance of skills development and workforce readiness for building sustainable, future-ready businesses.
The afternoon session included informative presentations from Rosario JRA Roxas-Alon of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Doctor Anne O. Tilbe of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Jerome M. Guilot of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Samantha Isabel Geraldino-Alvaro of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). Each speaker shared practical strategies, government programs, and support services to enhance business resilience, foster innovation, improve disaster preparedness, and expand access to financial assistance for MSMEs.
Also, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) revenue officers Christine Joy Dalan, Madel Alapag, Lora Dagle, and group supervisor Eunicy May Nuñez offered updates on tax compliance, taxpayer services, and relevant regulations to help MSMEs meet their compliance requirements.
A key highlight was the MSME Talk Show featuring Daisy Quevedo of Ciara’s Food House and Catering Services and Marnie Baylon of Happynest Homestay. The guest entrepreneurs shared their inspiring journeys, valuable experiences, and strategies for overcoming challenges while adapting to a rapidly changing business environment. Their stories served as inspiring examples of resilience, innovation, and perseverance, perfectly aligning with the summit’s theme.
Meanwhile, June Tulisana, an MSME participant, said that the activity is very helpful and informative. He is hoping that the MSMEs in the province will take advantage of the services and programs of DTI and participating stakeholders and partners to help the sector build and grow their local businesses.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda for MSMEs on economic revitalization, job creation, and digital transformation, the Dinagat Islands MSME Summit 2026 reaffirmed DTI’s strong commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs by providing relevant knowledge, strategic partnerships, and opportunities that enable MSMEs to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DTI Dinagat Islands)
