Fueling Filipina progress: DTI Caraga, SB Corp. heed PBBM’s call empower ASEAN women-led MSMEs
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Targeted government assistance and capacity-building initiatives are driving a surge in women-led enterprises across Caraga, echoing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit to transform the economic landscape for female entrepreneurs. In Caraga, women form the backbone of the local business community. Of the total registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, 16,283 are women-led, representing 62.84% of all Caraga MSMEs.
During the summit, President Marcos emphasized that improving access to capital, digital skills, and market integration is paramount to unlocking the full economic potential of women across Southeast Asia. Translating this vision into ground-level results, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Caraga has intensified its institutional support, pairing financial backing with grassroots mentorship to build a more inclusive business ecosystem.
Direct access to financing: Women’s Enterprise Fund and beyond
At the forefront of this economic drive is the Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF), a loan program dedicated exclusively to women-owned and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Launched by DTI through its financing arm, the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), WEF provides accessible, flexible capital designed to help Filipina entrepreneurs scale up operations, acquire assets, and sustain growth.
Women MSMEs can approach any SB Corp. office directly to inquire about and apply for loan assistance. To ensure seamless access, DTI leverages its network of Negosyo Centers across the region, actively guiding entrepreneurs through application requirements and formally endorsing clients to SB Corp.
Beyond the WEF, SB Corp. offers a diverse suite of tailored financing programs accessible to female-led ventures:
- Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Enterprises, Unleash your Powers (RISE-UP)
- MSME Business Fund
- Business Expansion Financing
- SBCorp SUKI
- SME-Business Expansion and Modernization Lending Facility
- Franchise Acquisition Funding
- Purchase Order Financing
- Turismo Asenso Loan Program
- Falah Financing
Amid ongoing economic challenges and inflation, women-led MSMEs in Butuan City are driving local recovery and business expansion with the aid of government financing. Among these MSMEs is Chresilda Guzon, a local entrepreneur whose convenience store business is scaling up after securing a P300,000 loan through the government’s RISE UP (Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Enterprises, Unleash Your Powers) program.
The SB Corp.’s RISE UP initiative provides flexible, collateral-free credit facilities designed to help small proprietors expand inventory, acquire assets, and maintain steady operations amidst rising market costs. For Guzon, the P300,000 injection was a crucial turning point for her convenience store enterprise, allowing her to stock essential daily goods and serve her immediate community more effectively.
“I am very much grateful for this government assistance as it helps MSMEs like me to thrive amid this challenging time for businesses. As women-led MSMEs we are happy to be given a wide range of opportunities, same as those for men-led enterprises,” said Guzon.
2026 financing impact in Caraga: as of October 2026
The impact of these financial interventions is evident in Caraga’s regional growth numbers. Year-to-date for CY 2026, SB Corp. financing programs—including the Women’s Enterprise Fund—have disbursed a cumulative P114,554,706 to 582 women-led MSMEs across the region’s five provinces.
Leading the charge in funding distribution, Surigao del Sur recorded the highest allocation in the region, with P37,104,226 released across 175 female entrepreneurs. Close behind, Agusan del Norte secured P36,118,957 in capital releases benefiting 165 women-led enterprises.
In Surigao del Norte, 105 beneficiaries received a total of P16,917,900 to expand their commercial ventures. Agusan del Sur saw P16,513,373 distributed among 72 women entrepreneurs, fueling local business expansion. Meanwhile, in the island province of Dinagat Islands, targeted financing reached 65 local female-led businesses, amounting to P7,900,250 in total funding.
Celebrating and honoring Filipina entrepreneurs
Capital infusion is only one piece of DTI’s comprehensive support strategy. Every March, during National Women’s Month, DTI serves as one of the key organizers of the annual Women Summit. This platform pairs practical knowledge sessions and business resources with trade fairs that showcase products crafted by local women entrepreneurs directly to regional buyers.
DTI also celebrates exceptional leaders through the Caraga Successful Women Entrepreneur Awards, honoring local businesswomen who demonstrate outstanding resilience, innovation, and community impact.
Reflecting on her journey, Erlinda D. Deloy, one of the awardees of the 2026 Caraga Successful Women Entrepreneur Awards, offered words of encouragement to aspiring business leaders: “Do not be afraid to start small. Begin with what you have, stay committed to your vision, and trust that growth will follow with hard work and faith.”
Through sustained financing, trade promotion, and institutional support, DTI Caraga continues to ensure that President Marcos’ vision for women’s economic leadership moves from high-level summits to thriving local enterprises. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DTI Caraga and SB Corp.)