17/07/2026
๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฆ
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato (July 15โ16, 2026) โ In a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience, the Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council of Cotabato Province officially launched the National MSME Week Celebration through the NEGOSYO Cotabato 2026 MSME Forum, held from July 15 to 16 at The Basket Pavilion, Amas, Kidapawan City.
Anchored on the theme "SOAR MSMEs: Showcasing Outstanding Achievements and Resilience of MSMEs," the two-day forum gathered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all seventeen (17) municipalities and the component city of Cotabato Province. The event underscored the vital role of MSMEs as key drivers of local economic growth, employment generation, and inclusive development while recognizing their resilience in navigating evolving business challenges.
The 2026 MSME Forum was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Provincial MSMED Council, chaired by Cotabato Governor Emmylou "Lala" J. Taliรฑo-Mendoza, MNSA, and DTI Cotabato Province. The Council brings together national government agencies, local government offices, and private sector organizations committed to strengthening the province's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Government members of the Council include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) through the Provincial Cooperative Development Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Representing the private sector were the Cotabato Youth Entrepreneurs Association (CYEA), Green Workers Corporation, Galing Sayap Group of Entrepreneurs (GSGE), Cotabato Mango Growers Cooperative, Mediatrix Multipurpose Cooperative, Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cacao Villa (District I), Marione's (District II), and Treelife, Inc. (District III).
In her keynote message, Governor Taliรฑo-Mendoza emphasized the indispensable contribution of MSMEs to the province's economic development, citing their role in creating jobs, stimulating local industries, and improving community livelihoods. She reaffirmed the Provincial Government's commitment to implementing programs that expand market access, strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, provide business support services, and create greater opportunities for local enterprises. She likewise underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector in building a more competitive and inclusive local economy.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding MSME beneficiaries who demonstrated remarkable innovation, resilience, and business growth through the support of various national government agencies. The awardees were recognized as models of enterprise excellence and successful beneficiaries of government interventions.
The recognized awardees were:
DTI: PSLM Food Products (Kidapawan City)
DOST: Kiapat Inc. (Kidapawan City)
DOLE: Makilala Transport Cooperative (Makilala)
DICT: Mr. Hermilo P. Paren / Persons with Disability (PWD) of Mlang Association, Inc. (Mlang)
Department of Agriculture โ Office of the Provincial Agriculturist: KJRD'S Factory Food Processing (Antipas)
Cooperative Development Authority (CDA): Paglaum Consolidated Multi-Purpose Cooperative
TESDA: Mr. Johnny N. Nambong of JNN Events (Kidapawan City)
The opening program was attended by Board Members Joemar Cerebo and Ivy Dalumpines-Ballitoc; League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Provincial President and Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Guzman; DTI Acting Provincial Director Robert A. Orfrecio; DOST Provincial Director Michael Mayo; DICT Provincial Director Engr. Mojadiren Matanog; Chamber of Commerce Regional Governor Rey Narciso; Provincial Trade and Investment Board Member Richard Lapinid; Provincial MSMED Council Permanent Designate Mabel Lynnel Calungsud; and representatives from DILG and DTI, SSF Cooperators, along with entrepreneurs and stakeholders from across the province.
Beyond recognizing excellence, the forum served as a platform for learning, collaboration, and partnership-building among entrepreneurs, development partners, and government agencies. Participants gained valuable insights on enterprise development while strengthening networks that will support the continued growth of MSMEs throughout the province.
As the province commemorates National MSME Week, the celebration reinforces a shared commitment to empowering local enterprises through innovation, collaboration, and sustained government support. More than an annual observance, the event affirms that nurturing MSMEs is a continuing endeavorโone that recognizes local entrepreneurs as the driving force behind Cotabato Province's economic progress, resilience, and inclusive development.
