SM LANANG Atrium transformed into a thriving hub of female ingenuity and entrepreneurship as the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair officially opened its doors today, March 12.
A landmark collaboration of the Department of Trade and Industry Region XI and Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH), the three-day event marks the first time the expo is held in Mindanao.
The opening ceremony was headlined by key women leaders who emphasized the importance of visibility for female-led MSMEs.
“It took time and effort to bring this trade fair here in Mindanao, but we, in the Women’s Business Council Philippines, firmly believe that when women support women, great things happen,” shared Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, chairperson of WomenBizPH.
This sentiment of solidarity was echoed by Mary Ann Montemayor, focal point person of WomenBizPH, who noted that the event is “more than just a marketplace. It is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and it showcases the collective strength of the Filipina entrepreneurs.”
Government support remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with DTI XI director Romeo L. Castanaga reaffirming the agency’s dedication to the sector.
“We remain committed to supporting programs that expand market access, build enterprise capacity, and prepare our MSMEs, especially women-led enterprises, to compete with confidence,” he said in his address.
The program’s launch was further elevated by a stunning fashion show from the House of Musa, a social enterprise/fashion brand that focuses on empowering women and marginalized communities through the production of musa (banana fiber).
The trade fair also serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing through a series of Fireside Chats, led by Irene Boey Lin Fong, chairperson of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) Singapore, which aims to provide local business owners with a global perspective on growth and innovation.
The ceremony was also attended by Consul General of Malaysia Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Consul Mohammad Ikhwan Ariff Muhammad Yusoff, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing Russell Alaba, WomenBizPH Chair Rosemary Rafael, WomenBizPH Chair trustee Mylene Abiva, former City Councilor Pilar Braga, and delegates from Indonesia and Laos.
