14/10/2026
Kalinga MSMED Council aligns development priorities with Congressional Office, explores Abaca Industry opportunities
Tabuk City I 14 October 2026 - The Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) of Kalinga convened its 4th Quarter Meeting on 13 October 2026, at Davidson Hotel, Bulanao, Tabuk City, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, foster innovation, and advance programs, projects, and initiatives that promote the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of MSMEs in the province.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Caroline B. Agyao, Representative of the Lone District of Kalinga, and Regional Director Fe F. Donato of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), along with council members and representatives of partner agencies.
The participation of Representative Agyao aimed to align the priorities and initiatives of her office with the programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for MSME development by council-members. In the meeting, Congresswoman Agyao shared plans of her office to establish pasalubong centers at strategic entry and exit points of the province. The proposed centers are envisioned to provide local entrepreneurs with additional market access and promotional platforms for Kalinga products, while allowing visitors to discover and purchase locally produced goods. She also expressed her support for the projects and initiatives of the councilโs member-agencies, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated and collaborative approach to addressing the needs of MSMEs and creating greater opportunities for local businesses to grow and become competitive.
Congresswoman Agyao likewise took time to listen to the concerns and recommendations raised by MSMEs and council members, demonstrating her openness to stakeholder inputs and her commitment to ensuring that their needs and priorities are considered in the planning and implementation of programs and interventions for MSME development. Further, she emphasized the importance of coordination and interoperability among government agencies to ensure the efficient delivery, management, and implementation of assistance programs and maximize their benefits to local entrepreneurs.
Beyond enterprise development, Congresswoman Agyao also highlighted her advocacy for the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions of Kalinga. She underscored that, traditional practices such as weaving, pottery, and traditional tattooing have been carried by Department of Education (DepEd) as Unique Curriculum in selected schools in the province. This initiative seeks to pass on indigenous knowledge and traditional skills to younger generations while fostering greater appreciation for cultural identity of Kalinga. It also presents opportunities to develop culture-based enterprises and promote locally made products, linking heritage preservation with sustainable livelihood and economic development.
Meanwhile, Regional Director Fe F. Donato presented an overview of the Philippine Abaca Industry, highlighting its current landscape and potential economic opportunities. Her presentation provided the council with a better understanding of the prospects for developing abaca as a potential source of livelihood and enterprise development in Kalinga.
The discussion explored opportunities to harness the resources of the province and strengthen the participation of local farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs in the abaca value chain. Through stronger collaboration with PhilFIDA and other concerned agencies, the council seeks to identify appropriate interventions that could support production, processing, product development, and market access.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the members of the council in fostering a supportive and collaborative MSME development environment in Kalinga. By aligning government priorities, pooling institutional resources, and exploring emerging industry opportunities, the council aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, expand market opportunities for local products, and strengthen the competitiveness of Kalinga MSMEs.
