CAVITE — The Cavite Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council hosted its annual business conference on Sept. 25, drawing local businesses and service industry players to SM Rosario for a day of learning.

The event, led by council Chairperson Teresita M. Leabres, was supported by the Office of the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer and partner agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry-Cavite and the Department of Science and Technology-Cavite.

Alvin Mojica, head of the Office of the Provincial Cooperative Development Officer, opened the program with a message of support for Cavite’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the provincial government’s efforts to make the province more business-friendly and competitive.

Gov. Jonvic Remulla also expressed support for the MSME sector, calling it the “backbone of the economy” and highlighting its contributions to progress and development in the province and nationwide.

Marissa C. Argente, director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region IV-A, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the conference theme “Future-Forward: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Innovations.” The theme aligns with the Tatak Pinoy Act promoted by the department.

Other speakers included John Philip Tan of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, who discussed digital transformation strategies, and Marites T. Castro of the Department of Tourism, who presented trends and innovations in tourism.

The conference also featured success stories from entrepreneurs, including Jay Gibson Dulay, CEO of Dingras Empanada, and Monaliza Martinez, owner of Flynntastic Airdry Clay. Their experiences provided inspiration to emerging entrepreneurs.

The event concluded with a raffle of gifts and tokens from the council’s partners.