DTI to Host WV’s Largest Business Conference in 2025

The Department of Trade and Industry Region VI, in partnership with the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, will hold the Western Visayas Business Conference and Expo 2025 (WV-BIZCONEX 2025) on July 1–2 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.

The committee is chaired by Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, PCCI-Western Visayas governor and RDC VI co-chairperson, and co-chaired by DTI Region VI.

Billed as the region’s largest business development event, the conference aims to boost opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.

Aligned with the national MSME Development Week, the two-day event will bring together leaders from government, industry, and business for discussions, training, and networking.

The initiative marks a major collaboration aimed at advancing innovation and sustainable growth in Western Visayas.

Day one will focus on interagency efforts to support MSMEs, featuring panel talks with officials from agencies covering agriculture, labor, science and technology, tourism, cooperatives, and corporate regulation.

Topics include business financing, digital transformation, and strategies to expand market access.

A dedicated session will highlight franchising and entrepreneurship models that have driven regional development.

Day two will center on financial literacy and access to capital, with insights from microfinance and business lending experts.

The agenda also features digital entrepreneurship and government support for tech-driven ventures, spotlighting the region’s push toward future-ready enterprises.

A key highlight is the “Unity in Leadership” forum, where all provincial governors of Western Visayas and the mayor of Iloilo City—recently inducted into the Regional Development Council—will jointly present their economic agenda.

Their participation reflects a united front in building a resilient and competitive regional economy.

Local business leaders and innovation advocates will share strategies on leadership, digital growth, and trade expansion.

The event will also cover procurement opportunities, export-readiness programs, and regulatory updates to support enterprise development.

“This conference shows our firm commitment to transforming Western Visayas, where every MSME has access to the tools, funding, and networks needed to thrive globally,” said Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable.

“We’re not just hosting an event; we’re launching a movement that will reshape how businesses grow, innovate, and succeed across our region.”

WV-BIZCONEX 2025 aims to generate strong momentum for regional growth by linking entrepreneurs with support services, funding access, and strategic partnerships across key sectors.

The conference will close with an awarding ceremony recognizing the 2024 Bagwis regional awardees, top-performing MSMEs, and development partners for their achievements in business, innovation, and economic contribution.

The Bagwis Awards honor businesses that protect consumer rights, deliver quality service, and comply with fair trade laws and standards.

With collaboration at its heart, WV-BIZCONEX 2025 seeks to empower MSMEs, spark innovation, and build a more inclusive Western Visayas economy.