A group of 27 determined women entrepreneurs from across the Davao Region have successfully completed a specialized training program designed to boost their businesses in the digital age. The three-day E-Taas ang Pinay MSMEs training, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 11 (DTI 11), concluded on December 3, 2025, at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City.
Empowering Filipina Business Leaders for a Digital Future
The event, held from December 1 to 3, served as a powerful platform to highlight the resilience and innovative spirit of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). DTI 11 launched this regional rollout to directly support local businesswomen, providing them with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and online marketplace.
Romeo L. Castañaga, DTI 11 Regional Director, underscored the critical role of women in the local economy. "Our MSMEs are the heartbeat of the local economy, and our Filipina entrepreneurs are among its strongest pillars," Castañaga stated. He emphasized that empowering women with digital knowledge does more than strengthen individual businesses—it uplifts families and transforms entire communities.
Comprehensive Support and Key Partnerships
The training program offered a holistic package of support for the participants. It featured targeted sessions on digital skills, business mentoring, and exploring e-commerce opportunities. A significant focus was placed on relevant legislation and trust-building online, with Berlin Mabuna, Division Chief of the E-Commerce Policy Promotion Division, discussing the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (Republic Act No. 11967) and the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark.
The initiative's success was bolstered by collaboration with major industry partners, including:
- Smart Communications / PLDT
- GCash
- DiskarTech and Negosyo Bundle Plus–RCBC
- The Knights of Online Marketers
These partnerships ensured the entrepreneurs received insights into practical digital payment solutions, marketing strategies, and financial tools.
A Tangible Step Forward: The Digitalization Kit
To cement their journey toward digital transformation, each of the 27 participants received a practical Digitalization Kit on the final day of the program. The kit included a ring light, a tool aimed at enhancing their online content creation for marketing and sales. This tangible support is designed to help them immediately improve their digital presence and engage customers more effectively.
Beyond business growth, organizers highlighted the broader impact of such programs. Empowering women-led MSMEs drives community development and fosters a more inclusive regional economy. The E-Taas ang Pinay program is fully aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, advancing national goals on innovation, gender equality, and inclusive growth. Its strategic value has earned it a spot as a top DTI priority and recognition in the Office of the President’s Legacy Campaign.
Concluding the event, Castañaga rallied the participants with a message of collective upliftment: "When we uplift women, we uplift families, communities, and the entire nation. Sama-sama, taasan natin ang antas ng kababaihang Pilipina sa mundo ng Negosyo."
