“This is a celebration of positivity, to rebuild, support families, and feed the hungry. You are our quiet leaders. MSMEs are the lifeblood of our economy.”These were the inspiring words of Governor Jose V. Gambito during the 3rd Regional MSME Summit 2025 cum One DTI Services Caravan held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, on July 8, 2025 where hundreds of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners, stakeholders, and national and local government officials gathered in support of economic growth.
In his message, Governor Gambito emphasized the need for unity and shared responsibility in building a stronger economic future.“This program cannot stand alone. Provincial initiatives must walk side by side with national programs. That is the hardest part, but as your Governor, the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya is your partner. Your success is our success. We are stronger together,” he affirmed.
The event was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 02, in partnership with the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development (ProCEDe) and supported by various line agencies.
DTI Region 02 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag expressed her gratitude to Governor Gambito for being a consistent partner in empowering local enterprises. “We echo the national call for transformation, to uplift the lives of every Filipino through strong support for MSMEs,” Director Narag said.
Provincial Cooperative Affairs Officer Ms. Juditte L. Asuncion also highlighted the essence of inclusive development saying, “True progress is not measured by wealth, but by the number of lives we have improved. Development must be activated from the ground,” she stressed.
Anchored on the theme “Asenso Negosyo, Angat Kabuhayan, Bagong Pilipinas,” the summit featured various sessions that promoted business integrity, innovation, breakthrough opportunities in the coconut industry, and strategies to build globally competitive exporters. Key panelists from agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) addressed key questions from participants during the interactive sessions.
A media conference was also held, drawing participation from various media entities in the province to amplify awareness of the support systems and opportunities available to MSMEs.
Another highlight of the day was the opening of the trade fair, product exhibit, and Diskwento Caravan, showcasing local goods and services from various towns in Nueva Vizcaya.
The summit also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DTI Region 02 and the Nueva Vizcaya Hotel, Resort, and Restaurants Association, formalizing collaborative efforts to promote local tourism and business competitiveness in the hospitality sector.
Meanwhile, Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) was also introduced during the summit which was launched in Nov. 12, 1996 through a Memorandum of Agreement by member agencies including DTI, DOH, DepED, DENR, DOT, NFA, DA. DOLE and Local Government Units. The MOA seeks to institutionalize networking among government agencies with consumer protection functions’ promote speedy resolutions of consumer complaints and to facilitate the flow of consumer protection information. /gpp
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