Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Regan King. (Photo from Facebook)
Recognizing that Filipino women entrepreneurs need stronger links to supermarkets, institutional buyers, large companies and export markets to expand their businesses, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is looking into providing businesswomen increasing accessibility to bigger markets not only locally but in the international scene as well.
Speaking at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026 at SM City Cebu, CCCI president Regan Rex King opined that while trade fairs give women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) opportunities to showcase their products, these should also lead to longer-term business opportunities.
King enthused that business groups should help entrepreneurs secure supplier matching, procurement opportunities and connections with larger companies.
He also noted that digitalization and business formalization are important tools for growth, stressing that while many entrepreneurs are willing to adopt technology, some still lack affordable connectivity, training and appropriate digital tools.
“Businesses can progress from using social media for promotion to adopting e-commerce, digital payments and online accounting, allowing them to reach international markets,” he pointed out.
King likewise cited that formalizing businesses through registration, permits and proper documentation can also improve access to financing, institutional buyers and supply chains.
In the meantime, WomenBizPH MSME council member for the Visayas Melanie Ng mentioned that demand for products from women-led businesses has been growing significantly in recent times and most have been making it big in sales in Manila and other urbanized centers across the country.
Ng shared that WomenBizPH has focused its programs on improving women’s access to markets, financing, education and technology and their Women Strong Network, established in December 2021 with 120 founding women-led MSMEs, has strengthened entrepreneurs’ resilience while providing opportunities for innovation, learning and collaboration.
