The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has launched the first-ever Mindanao MSME Forum, bringing together regional and provincial micro, small, and medium enterprises to strengthen collaboration and policy influence.
Held Wednesday in Davao City, the forum supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s priority agenda to accelerate MSME growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
“This seeks to address a long-standing gap in Mindanao’s development landscape: the absence of a consolidated voice to champion its MSME priorities in policy discussions and program implementation,” said MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz.
Part of the “Building a Better Mindanao” campaign, the event formalized commitments through a Joint Communiqué that will lead to the creation of the Mindanao MSME Council — a unified body to coordinate regional efforts, advocate nationally, and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.
Lopoz said the council will help Mindanao’s MSME sector seize global opportunities as the Philippines prepares to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit, fostering partnerships, attracting investments, and showcasing the region’s products internationally.