The Davao City Government, spearheaded by the Davao City Muslim Youth Sector (DCMYS), launched the two-day NextGen Muslim Innovators Summit 2026 on Wednesday, January 14, 2025. The event's opening ceremony was held at the Agdao Farmers Market, drawing a diverse assembly of participants and sponsors from across Southeast Asia.
A Gathering of Young Minds Across Borders
The summit attracted invited participants from a wide geographic range, including international guests from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. Local and national representation was strong, with attendees from Manila in the National Capital Region, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Mati in Davao Oriental, and active youth participants from Davao City itself.
Fostering Business and Cultural Pride
The summit's agenda was designed to equip young Muslim entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and inspiration. It featured lectures on critical topics like Islamic banking and startup business fundamentals, all framed within the context of honoring Muslim culture and heritage. The event also served as a showcase, with exhibits of local products and Halal offerings such as food, skincare, and clothing from entrepreneurs in Indonesia and Singapore.
Sitie Aysia Cariga Pumbaya, President of the Davao City Muslim Youth Sector, emphasized the event's core mission. She stated it is a strategic push to encourage the youth to launch their own ventures and strengthen the Halal industry, aligning with Davao City's development as a designated "Halal Hub" for the Philippines. "This is an avenue for youth who want to collaborate and are open to growing their business not only here in Davao but in their own places," Pumbaya explained.
She highlighted the lineup of speakers from which participants could learn how to run a business and gain insights from government agencies. The goal is for attendees to apply these lessons to help establish Davao City as the nation's next Halal hub. Planning for the summit began in October, with support from the City Economic Enterprises and the City Mayor’s Office in securing speakers from institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Davao City Islamic Chamber of Commerce.
Inspiration, Pitching, and Government Support
Speakers also included inspiring personalities from the private sector. One of them, Jacklyn Hon Mei San, Miss Petite Global Borneo, shared a message of cultural pride. She encouraged the youth not to fear embracing their culture and religion, as these are foundational to personal identity and success, regardless of their future path.
A major highlight of the summit was a business pitching contest for participating youth groups. Pumbaya detailed that seven groups, each with five members, competed for at least three winning slots. Prizes are substantial and geared towards real-world launch, including internships with a telecom company and international partners, various gifts from sponsors, and a cash prize to fund their startup. Winners will also receive plaques and medals.
"One of the most important aspects is the support of the Davao City local government to ensure their businesses are boosted," Pumbaya stressed, noting the commitment to actively utilize the talent and intellect of the youth sector.
The opening ceremony was graced by officials including City Muslim Affairs Office Chairperson and Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nakan and Davao City Councilor Kristine Abdul Mercado. Nakan acknowledged the Muslim youth's initiative in nurturing innovation anchored in Islamic values. Councilor Mercado read a speech from Acting Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte, which welcomed the innovators and expressed optimism that the summit would spark creative solutions and stronger linkages among youth committed to positive change.
