30/07/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ก
PIGCAWAYAN, Cotabato (July 24, 2026) โ In celebration of National MSME Month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cotabato Provincial Office actively participated in the grand opening of the Pigcawayan MSME Summit 2026, officially launching a week-long celebration dedicated to recognizing the vital role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving local economic growth and community development.
Anchored on the theme, "Empowering MSMEs, Enriching Communities, Building a Stronger Pigcawayan," the summit gathered representatives from national government agencies, the local government unit, business organizations, development partners, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening the municipality's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
DTI JBC Jade Angelie C. Muyco presented the rationale of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act (Republic Act No. 11960) and highlighted the significance of the law in promoting local products, supporting MSMEs, and expanding market opportunities for community-based enterprises. This was followed by an overview of Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-06, institutionalizing the Pigcawayan MSME Summit and Trade Expo, presented by Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO) Christine G. Mercado, MBA, underscoring the municipality's commitment to sustaining entrepreneurship and enterprise development through local legislation.
The event was attended by municipal officials led by members of the Sangguniang Bayan, MSME Council President Louie Garferio, members of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and First District Representative Edwin L. Cruzado. In his message, Congressman Cruzado expressed his admiration for the municipality's initiative in empowering local entrepreneurs. He emphasized that one of the most meaningful ways to support MSMEs is by patronizing locally made products, noting that every purchase contributes directly to the growth of local businesses and the community. He likewise expressed his full support for the proposed OTOP Hub in Pigcawayan, committing to help advance the initiative as a permanent venue where local entrepreneurs can showcase their products and expand their market reach.
DTI Acting Provincial Director Robert A. Orfrecio also conveyed his message of support, commending the Municipality of Pigcawayan for institutionalizing the MSME Summit and Trade Expo through a local ordinance. He noted that Pigcawayan is the first municipality in Cotabato Province to enact such a measure, demonstrating its strong commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and supporting local enterprises. APD Orfrecio then encouraged entrepreneurs to continuously participate in training programs and capability-building initiatives, emphasizing that learning is an ongoing process essential to adapting to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. He concluded his message by reminding participants that lasting business success is built not on luck but on consistent hard work, discipline, courage, and perseverance.
Adding inspiration to the celebration, several DTI- and LGU-assisted MSMEs shared their entrepreneurial success stories, highlighting how government interventions, technical assistance, and continuous mentoring helped them overcome challenges, improve their businesses, and achieve sustainable growth. Their testimonies served as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of collaborative enterprise development programs on local communities.
The opening program concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by the distinguished guests, officially opening the Pigcawayan MSME Summit 2026, which runs from July 24 to 30, 2026 and features a series of activities promoting entrepreneurship, business development, and local products.
The Pigcawayan MSME Summit 2026 reflects the strong partnership among the Local Government Unit of Pigcawayan, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other development stakeholders in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of the observance of National MSME Month, the summit reaffirms the shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, expanding market opportunities, and building a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive MSME sector that contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Pigcawayan and throughout Cotabato Province.
