Aklan MSMEs go green, digital at BizConex

KALIBO, Aklan — The Western Visayas BizConEx on Wheels brought together 200 government officials, business leaders, development partners, and micro, small, and medium enterprise owners in Aklan on July 23.

Held at the ABL Sports Complex in Estancia, Kalibo, the Aklan leg of the regional conference sought to build a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive local economy.

The conference provided entrepreneurs with information on green growth, sustainable business practices, export opportunities, digital transformation, and MSME policy development.

The sessions were designed to help local businesses innovate, expand, and compete in a rapidly changing market.

Department of Trade and Industry Western Visayas acting Regional Director Mutya D. Eusores thanked Aklanons for welcoming the participants.

Eusores also highlighted the contribution of MSMEs to the national economy through job creation, income generation, and local economic activity.

Messages of support were delivered by Jobert A. Peñaflorida, chair of the Regional Development Council Western Visayas’ Economic Development Committee and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry area vice president for the Visayas.

Aklan 1st District Rep. Jesus R. Marquez and 2nd District Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores also delivered messages during the event.

PCCI Western Visayas Regional Governor Fulbert Woo attended the conference.

One of the event’s highlights was a fireside chat with Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique M. Miraflores, co-chair of the Regional Development Council Western Visayas.

Miraflores reaffirmed the provincial government’s support for MSMEs through stronger partnerships, strategic investments, and programs that create opportunities for business growth and economic development.

Southwest Tours General Manager Celeen Denise M. Sazon-Abella moderated the discussion.

DTI Aklan officer-in-charge Provincial Director Grace M. Benedicto introduced Miraflores.

JAF Handicraft and Piña Industry owner Juler A. Fernandez discussed sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for MSMEs.

Fernandez emphasized that responsible resource use can help create a more sustainable future for the next generation.

The conference also featured the entrepreneurial journeys of homegrown Aklanon businesses.

Buttons n’ Things Arts and Crafts owner Sheree R. Reynaldo and Sunshine Breadmart owner Joseph P. Fernandez shared how they started their businesses and secured opportunities that helped them grow.

Their stories were intended to inspire other MSME owners as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

The event also served as a platform for government agencies, business groups, and entrepreneurs to develop policy recommendations for a more responsive and enabling MSME environment in Western Visayas.

Another component of the conference was the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program, which promotes digital payments among public market vendors, local transport operators, and other community-based businesses.

Developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the program encourages the use of QR Ph, the country’s interoperable quick-response code standard, for cashless payments.

The initiative is intended to advance financial inclusion and help Aklan’s entrepreneurs become more digitally prepared.

An MSME help desk, organized with national government agencies, provided entrepreneurs with information on available programs and services.

A market-matching activity showcased products from startups and young entrepreneurs and gave participants opportunities to build partnerships with other businesses.

DTI Western Visayas acting Assistant Regional Director Romel L. Amihan summarized the conference’s discussions and activities in his closing message.

Amihan expressed hope that the event would contribute to a more responsive, enabling, and resilient business environment for entrepreneurs.