Cavite MSMEs BizCon champions digital empowerment for local entrepreneurs
The 2025 Cavite MSMEs Business Conference (BizCon) gathered micro, small, and medium enterprise owners, government partners, and industry experts on November 28 at Elijah Hotel and Residences, City of Dasmariñas. Organized by the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO) in cooperation with DTI-Cavite and the Cavite Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (CaSMEDC), this year’s event carried the theme “Empowering MSMEs in the Digital Era: Building Trust, Security, and Innovation.” The conference aimed to equip local enterprises with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven market.
In her opening message, CaSMEDC Chair Teresita Leabres underscored the importance of digitalization in sustaining business growth and ensuring long-term competitiveness. DTI IV-A Assistant Regional Director Revelyn Cortez also expressed her support, noting CaSMEDC’s continuous efforts to champion MSME development and describing the annual conference as a legacy that will benefit future generations of entrepreneurs.
DTI Cavite OIC-Provincial Director Lilibeth R. Chavez introduced keynote speaker Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, DBA, of the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group, who delivered her message through a recorded video. ASEC Baluyut highlighted trust, security, and innovation as key pillars that will empower MSMEs to succeed in the digital economy.
Setting the tone for the discussion, Ms. Liza C. Gabatan, Entrepreneurial Division Head of the OPCDO, provided a conference overview and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to advancing MSME capacity-building and digital upskilling initiatives.
The conference proper featured a series of presentations centered on digital transformation. Mr. Robert S. Paguia (DICT) opened the technical sessions with an informative talk on cybersecurity essentials, offering practical measures to guard against cyber threats and secure consumer data. This was followed by Ms. Charisse C. Torio (DILG), who discussed how e-governance initiatives streamline processes and create a more accessible environment for business growth.
Participants also gained insights on building consumer confidence through the DTI Trustmark, presented by Mr. Paulo V. Estrada of the DTI E-Commerce Bureau. Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Jamaica Soriano discussed the expanding role of artificial intelligence in business operations and encouraged MSMEs to explore AI tools as part of their innovation journey.
Interactive open forum sessions enabled attendees to directly engage with speakers, further enhancing their grasp of digital strategies and practical applications.
The BizCon also celebrated local success stories. Ms. Jennifer Nuque of Francart Corporation & Deliclass Corporation and Mr. Jerold Chico of Heavenly Favored OPC shared their entrepreneurial journeys in navigating challenges, adopting innovation, and expanding their businesses in the digital era.
To cap the discussions, Ms. Sallie C. Lacson, Area Vice President for South Luzon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, inspired MSMEs to remain forward-thinking and open to emerging technologies.
The event concluded with closing remarks from OPCDO Officer-in-Charge Myrachel P. Cuadra, who expressed her gratitude to all partners, speakers, and participants, recognizing their collective contribution to advancing Cavite’s MSME sector.—R.Dones
