TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The 4th Tarlac Business Conference and Expo (BizConEx) gathered hundreds of entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, students, and industry representatives as it strengthened business resiliency and equipped micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with strategies to adapt to evolving market challenges.
Held from July 15 to 16, the two-day event served as a platform for learning, collaboration, and market expansion, offering business discussions, learning sessions, and hands-on workshops aimed at helping enterprises navigate a rapidly changing business environment.
In her message, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Tarlac President Aileen Chan acknowledged the challenges confronting the business sector but emphasized that these also present opportunities for growth and innovation.
“While these changes are significant, they also represent opportunities for those who are willing to innovate, adapt, and collaborate,” she said.
Designed to be more responsive to the needs of MSMEs, the conference featured learning and training sessions led by industry experts and government agencies covering energy solutions, food safety and technology, digital marketing strategies, business transformation, creative learning experiences, and business pitching and matching sessions.
Among the highlights of the event is the ceremonial commitment signing for the One Town, One Product Philippines Program, reaffirming the commitment of local government units, the private sector, MSME development partners, and government agencies to promote products that reflect the identity, culture, and strengths of their respective localities.
In addition, a regional trade fair showcasing products from various provinces in Central Luzon also provided the MSMEs with opportunities to expand market reach, promote local products, and establish business networks.
Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Edna Dizon described the conference as a platform of collaboration between the government and the private sectors which further strengthens the support towards the MSMEs.
“Ito ay nagsisilbing medium para maiparating natin kung ano ang nagawa na natin at ano ang gagawin pa natin para sa ating mga MSMEs (This serves as a medium for us to share what we have already accomplished and what we still intend to do for our MSMEs),” she said.
In support of the government’s push under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen local industries, and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs as drivers of employment and development, the PCCI, MSME Development Council, and private partners committed to developing programs, forging partnerships, and creating opportunities that will help local enterprises become stronger, more competitive, and future-ready. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
