The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), and in collaboration with public and private sector partners, successfully held the 2025 National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Resilience Forum on July 17, 2025, with the theme “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Preparedness.”
The forum aimed to equip MSMEs with the knowledge, tools, and support systems they need to become more resilient, innovative, and prepared in the face of disruptions and emerging business risks.
The event brought together MSMEs, business enablers, policymakers, and development organizations across the country for a day of dialogue, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing. discussions centered on innovation, disaster resilience, risk management, digital transformation, and strategic support to strengthen MSME resilience in the face of emerging challenges.
DTI-Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Richard V. Simangan emphasized the importance of collective action in the aspect of business resilience.
“We believe that by working together, sharing knowledge, and leveraging our diverse strengths, we can truly future-proof our MSMEs, ensuring they not only survive but also flourish in the face of adversity,” he said.
The forum featured a keynote presentation on “Building Disaster-Resilient MSMEs: Challenges and Opportunities” by the Office of the Civil Defense. Two panel discussions followed: the first focused on “Financial Planning and Resources for Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery,” with representatives from Cebuana Lhuiller Foundation Inc., Small Business Corporation, Bank of Florida, Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines. MSME reactors from Floridablanca Lubao Organic Farms Association and Grass Roots Farm shared their on-the-ground insights.
The second panel discussion, “Leveraging Technology for Disaster Resilience in MSMEs,” gathered experts from Spectee Pro Japan, Ideaspace QBO Innovation Hub, DOST–Phivolcs, Global Reporting Initiative Philippines, BMWARE Business Solutions Enterprises Inc., and PCCI – Pampanga Chapter to discuss digital solutions for building MSME resilience.
In the afternoon, attendees participated in an engaging World Café-style breakout session consisting of seven groups: 1) Hazard Hunter PH by DOST; 2) Spectee Pro; 3) Business Continuity Planning by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation; 4) Cebuana Lhuiller’s disaster risk financing consultation; 5) Bank of Florida’s financial services for MSMEs; 6) Development Bank of the Philippines; and 7) Disaster Risk Recovery and Financing by Small Business Corporation.
Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, of the DTI-Regional Operations Group, further highlighted the importance of tailored approaches. “MSMEs have to be equipped not just with the knowledge, but with tailored, localized, and sustainable solutions to the risks that they face. This forum brings together voices from the grassroots and the national level—encouraging the exchange of ideas and reinforcing our shared goal to make resilience a way of life for every MSME in the Philippines,” she shared.
The forum served as a powerful reminder that future-proofing our MSMEs begins with collaboration, innovation, and preparedness—equipping every entrepreneur with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The event concluded with a unified call to action: to empower every Filipino MSME to become resilient and future-ready.
