Iloilo City boosts MSMEs at first-ever summit

By Estrella Urquiola

ILOILO CITY — The city government launched its first summit for micro, small, and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, on July 29, bringing together about 170 local entrepreneurs, government agencies, and industry partners to widen access to financing, business development programs, and new markets.

The three-day Iloilo City MSME Summit, which runs through July 31, features capacity-building sessions, government and private-sector service caravans, business matching, trade exhibits, and marketing initiatives designed to improve the competitiveness of local enterprises.

The summit also includes a trade fair and the Iloilo Mobile Food Community Showcase, which features products and services from local entrepreneurs, including 18 mobile food truck operators.

Nationally, MSMEs accounted for 99.63% of the Philippines’ 1,241,476 registered business establishments in 2024, underscoring the sector’s importance to economic activity and employment.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said MSMEs play a vital role in Iloilo City’s economy and pledged the local government’s continued support for entrepreneurs.

“We see you, we hear you, and we are here for you.

“Your businesses are not small in impact, you are the backbone of our local economy,” she said.

Treñas-Chu described the summit as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, build market connections, gain industry knowledge, and explore opportunities to expand their businesses.

“Through this summit, we want to give greater importance to our entrepreneurs and help you further grow and promote your businesses,” she said.

“We are also strengthening market linkages, improving access to financing, and making it easier to do business in Iloilo City because we believe that when your business succeeds, Iloilo City succeeds,” Treñas-Chu added.

The summit is aligned with the city’s RISE-to-ACTION Strategy Roadmap, particularly the Rising Economy through Sustainable Income Generation through Entrepreneurship, or SIGE Asenso, Program, which seeks to expand entrepreneurs’ access to knowledge, financing, and markets.

Treñas-Chu said the city continues to provide livelihood assistance and mentoring to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to ensure that no Ilonggo business owner is left behind.

She also expressed optimism about a proposed loan program that would provide MSMEs with collateral-free and interest-free financing to help them expand their businesses.

Treñas-Chu highlighted the partnership between the city government and BDO Foundation, which seeks to improve entrepreneurs’ financial literacy and merchandising skills.

Graduates of the Uswag Negosyo Academy receive PHP5,000 in additional capital assistance from the foundation.

By April 2026, the academy had reached its 23rd batch, which began training April 14 with 30 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.

By the summit’s opening in late July, city information showed that the academy had produced 25 graduating batches.

Meanwhile, Councilor Rudolph Ganzon reaffirmed his support for programs strengthening the city’s MSME sector, describing small businesses as key drivers of economic growth.

“I am proud to support initiatives like this.

“It strengthens the competitiveness of our MSMEs,” Ganzon said.

Ganzon said MSMEs create jobs, promote innovation, and improve the lives of Ilonggos.

“Every enterprise, no matter how small, has the power to transform lives, provide livelihoods, strengthen families, and uplift communities,” he added.