The Talisay Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced its strategic direction for the coming year, placing a strong emphasis on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The chamber forecasts a period of selective growth in 2026, driven by businesses that prioritize building resilience, enhancing skills, and adopting digital tools.
Cautiously Optimistic Outlook for the Year Ahead
Carl Cabusas, the president of the Talisay Chamber, described the outlook for 2026 as "cautiously optimistic — but action-oriented." He emphasized that firms with solid fundamentals and adaptability are poised to advance. "Businesses with strong fundamentals and the ability to adapt will move ahead, and MSMEs will be at the center of that growth," Cabusas stated.
The chamber's plan involves a significant expansion of its support programs. Key initiatives for 2026 will focus on:
- Broadening mentorship opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
- Enhancing business education and training.
- Improving access to valuable business networks to help MSMEs scale their operations.
Addressing Persistent Challenges for Local Businesses
This focused support comes as MSMEs continue to face several hurdles. Cabusas highlighted ongoing issues such as high power and logistics costs, limited access to capital, and infrastructure gaps in areas outside major urban centers. He noted that 2025 served as a year of recalibration for Cebu's economy, with many companies shifting from rapid expansion to a focus on sustainability and operational efficiency following disruptions from inflation, climate risks, and policy constraints.
A Shift from Networking to Active Advocacy
Moving forward, the chamber intends to adopt a more proactive role. "For cities like Talisay that are growth-ready but underserved, the chamber needs to go beyond networking," Cabusas explained. The strategy for 2026 includes becoming more engaged in policy advocacy, fostering collaboration with local government units and national agencies, and providing practical, hands-on problem-solving for its MSME members.
The Talisay Chamber of Commerce and Industry ultimately sees 2026 as a pivotal opportunity to foster economic development that is both inclusive and deeply rooted in the local community. The organization believes that by strengthening MSMEs, they can amplify their role in job creation and stimulate broader regional development across Cebu.
