DTI Region 7 Central Visayas

05/08/2026

ADVISORY | DTI Region 7 Central Visayas and DTI Cebu, including its Negosyo Centers, are closed in observance of Cebu Province Charter Day, a Special Non-Working Holiday celebrated throughout the entire Province of Cebu, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Danao City, and Toledo City, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8952.

Regular office operations will resume on Monday, 10 August 2026.

Happy Cebu Province Charter Day!🇵🇭

📌𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 | 𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦

Here are the official holidays for August 2026:

• August 6 (Thursday) – Special Non-Working Day in the Province of Cebu in celebration of the 457th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu, as per Republic Act No. 8952. Under Republic Act 8952, August 6 of every year is declared a special non-working holiday for the entire province, including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

• August 21 (Friday) – Special Non-Working Day in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day.

• August 31 (Monday) – Regular Holiday in celebration of National Heroes Day.

Please take note of these dates when planning your visits and transactions with government offices, as these will be closed during the declared holidays. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶

05/08/2026

CEBU — As part of its continuing implementation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development (PCID) Plan, DTI Region 7 Central Visayas convened key government partners for the presentation and validation of the processed outputs of the PCID Plan Localization and Co-Creation Workshop.

The activity provided a platform to validate the region's proposed priorities, strategies, and interventions for the creative industries while advancing discussions on the establishment of the Central Visayas Creative Industry Alliance—a proposed regional convergence mechanism that aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, align programs and initiatives, and foster a more coordinated approach to creative industry development.

Regional representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), together with the Provincial Government of Cebu and the Cebu City Government actively participated in the validation process, reaffirming their shared commitment to a whole-of-government approach in advancing the region's creative economy.

To complement the discussions, participants visited Cebu Making Space and ATUA Midtown—two vibrant creative hubs that demonstrate how collaboration, innovation, and community engagement contribute to a thriving creative ecosystem.

At Cebu Making Space, Ms. Stephie Tudtud introduced participants to the organization's programs and initiatives that empower artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs through exhibitions, workshops, collaborative projects, and community-driven activities.

The delegation also visited ATUA Midtown, where Ms. Kae Batiquin of Holicow PH shared how the space has evolved into a dynamic venue for creativity, entrepreneurship, and community initiatives, providing local creatives with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work.

The validation activity builds on the gains of the PCID Plan Localization and Co-Creation Workshop held in March 2026, which gathered representatives from DTI regional and provincial offices in Central Visayas and the Negros Island Region, together with partner government agencies.

The workshop laid the groundwork for localizing the PCID Plan by fostering strategic inter-agency collaboration, identifying regional priorities, and aligning programs and initiatives that will enhance support for creative enterprises, practitioners, and communities across the region.

With sustained collaboration and the proposed establishment of the Central Visayas Creative Industry Alliance, DTI Region 7 and its partner agencies continue to pave the way for a more connected, innovative, and globally competitive creative economy—one that empowers creative talents, strengthens cultural and creative enterprises, and drives inclusive and sustainable regional development.

DTI Region 7 express its sincere appreciation to all participating agencies, Cebu Making Space, ATUA Midtown, Ms. Stephie Tudtud, and Ms. Kae Batiquin for generously sharing their expertise, experiences, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the creative ecosystem in Central Visayas.🇵🇭

04/08/2026

CEBU — DTI Region 7 Central Visayas, in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship- Go Negosyo, commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program by recognizing 40 entrepreneurs who successfully completed the KMME-MME Program during the 10th KMME Anniversary and KMME-MME Graduation Ceremony.

The milestone event recognized the accomplishments of 21 entrepreneurs from Bohol and 19 entrepreneurs from Cebu who successfully completed the KMME-MME Program—DTI’s flagship mentorship initiative that equips MSMEs with the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to build resilient and competitive businesses.

Over the past ten years, DTI 7 has successfully conducted 20 batches, producing 1,139 KMME graduates who continue to strengthen their enterprises, generate employment, and contribute to regional economic growth.

Read more: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-regions/dti-region-7/dti-region-7-news/dti-7-celebrates-10-years-kmme-welcomes-40-new-entrepreneurs-growing-msme-network

04/08/2026

CEBU — DTI Region 7 Central Visayas, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), successfully conducted the FDCP Film Education – Naa Koy Idea (I Have an Idea): Kwentong Bisaya: A Short Film Pitching and Financing Workshop in Cebu, marking the first collaboration between the two agencies to advance the film and creative industries in Central Visayas.

The five-day workshop brought together 20 selected filmmakers and five observers from across the region for an intensive learning experience focused on storytelling, project development, pitching, and film financing. Participants were mentored by acclaimed film professionals Christelle Lou Dychangco and Amaya Han, who shared their expertise and guided participants in refining their projects from concept to pitch.

During the program, DTI Region 7 Acting Regional Director Esperanza T. L. Melgar reaffirmed the agency's long-standing commitment to developing the region's creative industries.

"At DTI Region 7, our support for the creative industries has been a continuing journey. Long before this workshop, we have been supporting our creative communities through various capability-building and mentorship initiatives. In fact, some of our participants are alumni of DTI programs such as the DWENDE Creative Sprint and the DREAM Mentoring Program. It is encouraging to see them continue their creative journey and take the next step toward developing their film projects," Acting Regional Director Melgar shared.

The workshop was also enriched by the presence of respected members of the Philippine film industry, including acclaimed filmmaker Ruel Antipuesto, producers Diem Judilla and Kris Villarino, along with the FDCP team represented by Marian Manzano and Jane Narciso, who provided valuable insights and industry perspectives to the participants.

Highlighting the richness of the region's creative potential, Acting Regional Director Melgar encouraged participants to continue telling authentic local stories.

"Our region is rich with culture, history, and lived experiences. These are stories worth sharing—not only with the rest of the country, but with the world."

Through this milestone partnership, DTI Region 7 and FDCP equipped emerging filmmakers with the knowledge, mentorship, and industry connections needed to transform compelling ideas into projects ready for pitching, financing, production, and film festival participation—strengthening the film ecosystem and expanding opportunities for creative talents in Central Visayas.

To further amplify the voices of emerging filmmakers, DTI Region 7 and FDCP is exploring the plan that the completed film outputs from this workshop, along with films produced through previous DTI-led filmmaking initiatives, will be uploaded to JuanFlix, the FDCP's online streaming platform. This initiative will provide participants with a wider audience for their works while showcasing the creativity, culture, and storytelling excellence of filmmakers from Central Visayas on a national platform.

Building on the momentum of this inaugural collaboration, DTI Region 7 and FDCP are also exploring a follow-on program for 2027 that will continue mentoring this first batch of filmmakers while opening new opportunities for the next generation of creative talents in the region.

As the participants move forward in their filmmaking journeys, DTI Region 7 remains committed to supporting their growth through programs on business formalization, entrepreneurship, access to finance, market development, and other business development services.

By strengthening both their creative and entrepreneurial capacities, DTI aims to help local filmmakers transform compelling stories into sustainable creative enterprises that contribute to the continued growth of the region's creative economy.🇵🇭

31/07/2026

CEBU — During the 2026-2028 SIPP Roadshow in Cebu, DTI Region 7 Central Visayas Acting Regional Director Esperanza Melgar delivered her call to action message, encouraging stakeholders to take an active role in driving investment and economic development in the region.

The roadshow's third and final leg will be held in Davao, where discussions will zero in on Mindanao's growing role in the national economy and the importance of aligning development priorities with the region's strengths and emerging investment opportunities.

Read more below.

30/07/2026

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Discover how digital solutions like HiveRooms are making it easier to do business in Central Visayas.

📌 Watch the full episode and learn more about their journey.

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📧 Email: [email protected]
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30/07/2026

ISLAND REGIONS UNITED BY WATER

DTI Region 7 Central Visayas and DTI Negros Island Region (NIR) successfully concluded its 3-day Regional Strategic Planning and Budget Harmonization Workshop for CY 2027–2028, bringing together regional and provincial offices to shape a shared vision and strategic direction for the years ahead.

Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged in meaningful discussions, collaborative planning sessions, and strategic exercises that strengthened organizational priorities, aligned resources, and reinforced DTI's commitment to delivering responsive, innovative, and future-ready public service.

We extend our sincere appreciation to DEPDev Central Visayas Region for sharing valuable insights on the Philippine Development Plan Framework and AmBisyon Natin 2040, helping ensure that our regional strategies remain aligned with the country's long-term development agenda.

We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the DICT Region VII - Central Visayas for graciously hosting the workshop and providing an excellent venue that fostered productive collaboration and learning.

As the workshop came to a close, participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to transform plans into meaningful actions and strengthen collaboration across both island regions—captured in the workshop's concluding message: "Island Regions of Central Visayas and NIR: United by Water."

Together, we move forward with a shared purpose—building a more resilient, agile, and future-ready DTI for our stakeholders, MSMEs, and the communities we serve.🇵🇭

27/07/2026

DTI Region 7 Central Visayas proudly joins the nationwide celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the Department of Trade and Industry with the theme, "45 Years Sapphire Legacy: Integrity that Endures, Service that Transforms."

As part of the celebration, DTI Region 7 conducted a special Mental Health Awareness Session for its employees, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in building a resilient, productive, and compassionate workforce. The session equipped participants with practical strategies for managing stress, strengthening resilience, and promoting a healthy work-life balance—reinforcing the Department's commitment to caring not only for the communities it serves but also for the people behind its mission.

As we celebrate this milestone, DTI Region 7 remains steadfast in upholding integrity, delivering excellent public service, and creating meaningful impact for Filipino entrepreneurs, consumers, and communities.

Happy 45th Anniversary, DTI Philippines!🇵🇭

27/07/2026

Happy 45th Anniversary, DTI Philippines!🇵🇭

💙🎉 Celebrating 45 Years of Service, Integrity, and Transformation! 🎉💙

The Department of Trade and Industry proudly marks its 45th Anniversary with the theme, “45 Years of Sapphire Legacy: Integrity that Endures, Service that Transforms.”

For over four decades, DTI has remained a steadfast partner of Filipino entrepreneurs, MSMEs, consumers, and stakeholders—championing business growth, consumer protection, innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive economic development. This Sapphire Anniversary honors the resilience, wisdom, and excellence that have guided the Department in creating opportunities, strengthening industries, and empowering communities across the country.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our employees, partners, stakeholders, MSMEs, and consumers. Their trust, support, and collaboration have helped shape DTI’s enduring legacy of dedicated public service.

Join us as we honor 45 years of dedicated public service and continue building a stronger, more innovative, resilient, and globally competitive Philippines. Together, let us carry forward a legacy of integrity and transformation for generations to come.

24/07/2026

CEBU — As the Philippines continues to face increasing climate, disaster, and economic risks, the MSME Resilience Core Group (RCG), co-chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), convened government agencies, business organizations, development partners, financial institutions, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country for the National Forum on Strengthening MSME Disaster Resilience 2026 on July 23 at bai Hotel Cebu in Mandaue City.

Carrying the theme "Negosyong Matatag: Building Resilient MSMEs for a Sustainable Future," the national forum marked the 10th Anniversary of the MSME Resilience Core Group (RCG)—a milestone that celebrates a decade of public-private collaboration in helping Filipino MSMEs prepare for, withstand, recover from, and adapt to disasters and other emerging risks while sustaining business growth.

Another major highlight of the event was the presentation of the first-ever Negosyong Matatag: MSME Disaster Resilience Awards, recognizing Filipino enterprises that have demonstrated exemplary leadership in disaster preparedness, business continuity, innovation, and sustainable business practices.

This year's National Forum formed part of the country's observance of National Disaster Resilience Month every July and complemented the celebration of MSME Development Week, reinforcing the government's whole-of-society approach toward strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Filipino enterprises.🇵🇭

Read more: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-regions/dti-region-7/dti-region-7-news/dti-partners-reaffirm-decade-long-commitment-building-resilient-msmes-national-forum-cebu