by Dione Ellarina and Amal Sidic
The Cagayan de Oro government, through the Trade and Investment Promotion Center (TIPC), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Oriental and Promote Cagayan de Oro Foundation to host an event aimed at developing a localized MSME Development Plan that enhances the business environment of Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines. This event, held on 18-19 March 2025, took place at the Hamersons Hotel, Tomas Saco Street, Cagayan de Oro City, to gather influential business stakeholders, including local government representatives, private sector members, and academic institution officials who aim to support sustainable economic development, specifically in Mindanao.
The event aims to align Cagayan de Oro’s MSME Development Plan with the national framework, tailoring it to the unique challenges of businesses in the region. By doing so, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will gain a more resilient economic environment, empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering long-term growth opportunities.
Mr Jhon Louie B Sabal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, has been invited as one of the resource speakers for the event. With his extensive expertise in economics and development planning, Mr Sabal will offer valuable insights into designing a plan that reflects national objectives while addressing the economic realities of Cagayan de Oro. His perspectives, shaped by years of scholarly research and professional engagement, will be instrumental in crafting a strategic roadmap that empowers MSMEs, promotes inclusive growth, and enhances the region's economic resilience.
Beyond Mr Sabal’s contributions, Xavier Ateneo’s Department of Economics plays a key role in shaping this strategy. Known for its strong commitment to community engagement and sustainable development, the department brings academic excellence and social relevance to the initiative.
Students from Xavier Ateneo’s Department of Economics—Khenjay Triel M Singzon (ABECO-3), Princess Alyssa P Bajada (ABECO-3), and Rroj Daniel B Gavenia (ABECO-3)—have actively contributed to data collection and analysis, alongside Hanin Laguindab of ORO TIPC. Their involvement integrates academic training with practical application, enriching the plan’s development and reinforcing the university’s values in real-world economic planning.
Implementing this localized MSME Development Plan is more than just a technical exercise—it is a strategic move toward long-term economic prosperity in Cagayan de Oro. Through the combined efforts of Oro-TIPC, Xavier Ateneo, and other key stakeholders, businesses will gain the necessary tools to expand, innovate, and contribute to a stronger local economy.
The event exemplifies how strategic partnerships between government, business, and academia can spark meaningful transformation. By working together, these institutions are laying the foundation for a more competitive and resilient MSME sector, ultimately strengthening Cagayan de Oro’s role in national economic growth.