“We are emerging as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies—with strong consumer confidence, a dynamic workforce, and a new generation of Filipino entrepreneurs brimming with courage, creativity, and resilience,” Secretary Cristina A. Roque underscored during the Asia MSME Forum 2025 on March 27.
“In these crucial times when global headlines speak of economic uncertainty, rising geopolitical tensions, and technological disruption, the Philippines tells a different story. At the DTI, we have personally witnessed how these transformations unfolded. As a former entrepreneur myself, I truly understand the tenacity it takes to build something from the ground up,” said Secretary Roque.
Secretary Roque emphasized that the DTI’s comprehensive five-point micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) agenda is central to this remarkable transformation. This strategic framework specifically aims to strengthen the competitiveness and long-term resilience of the MSME sector, recognizing its pivotal role in the country’s economic progress.
The DTI’s agenda prioritizes digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence by equipping local businesses with the tools and technologies to expand market access and streamline operations. The agenda also promotes diversification to strategically broaden entrepreneurs’ product and service ranges and ensure these address growing market demands.
Addressing a critical barrier to growth, the DTI is refining its financial support programs to address the challenges faced by small business owners. Furthermore, the agency is actively promoting franchising as a scalable model for rapid expansion and significant job generation.
Complementing these initiatives, the DTI is committed to providing targeted mentoring and educational intervention that enhances entrepreneurial capabilities and improve daily business operations.
Secretary Roque further illuminated the impact of these initiatives by sharing compelling success stories—including a sari-sari store owner in Davao who scaled into a regional chain, a mother in Bicol who turned local abaca into global fashion, and a young Cebuano cook whose e-commerce platform now reaches customers across Southeast Asia.
“These stories of success are not rare anymore. They are multiplying, because we are working together—government, businesses, and civil society—to nurture an environment where MSMEs don’t just survive, they lead and inspire,” she added.
In 2024, the DTI’s Negosyo Centers assisted over 1.5 million entrepreneurs through capacity-building programs, mentorship, and improved access to finance. Complementing this, initiatives such as SheTrades PH and digitalization programs have enabled more MSMEs to participate in global markets. These efforts underscore the vital role of MSMEs, which comprise 99.6 percent of all businesses in the country—62% of which are women-led.
Secretary Roque concluded with a call for renewed commitment to ensure that under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., every Filipino with a business, regardless of size, is given the chance to thrive.
