Cavite BizCon 2025 Champions Digital Empowerment for Local Entrepreneurs

DASMARIÑAS CITY — Micro, small, and medium enterprise owners from across Cavite gathered for the 2025 Cavite MSMEs Business Conference (BizCon) held on November 28 at Elijah Hotel and Residences. The event, organized by the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO) in partnership with DTI-Cavite and the Cavite Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (CaSMEDC), focused on strengthening the digital capabilities of local businesses under the theme “Empowering MSMEs in the Digital Era: Building Trust, Security, and Innovation.”

The conference highlighted the vital role of digitalization in ensuring business growth and competitiveness. In her opening message, CaSMEDC Chair Teresita Leabres stressed the need for MSMEs to embrace digital tools to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. DTI IV-A Assistant Regional Director Revelyn Cortez echoed her sentiments, commending CaSMEDC for its sustained efforts to support MSME development and describing the annual BizCon as a legacy that will benefit future generations of entrepreneurs.

DTI Cavite OIC-Provincial Director Lilibeth R. Chavez introduced keynote speaker Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, DBA, of the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group, who delivered a recorded message emphasizing trust, security, and innovation as foundational pillars for MSMEs in the digital economy.

Setting the stage for the sessions ahead, OPCDO Entrepreneurial Division Head Liza C. Gabatan provided an overview of the event and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to continuous MSME capacity-building and digital upskilling.

The technical sessions centered on digital transformation, beginning with DICT’s Robert S. Paguia, who discussed cybersecurity essentials and practical steps businesses can adopt to protect consumer data. DILG’s Charisse C. Torio followed with a talk on the role of e-governance in streamlining processes and creating an enabling environment for business growth.

DTI E-Commerce Bureau’s Paulo V. Estrada introduced the DTI Trustmark, explaining how it enhances consumer confidence in digital transactions. Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Jamaica Soriano presented the growing role of artificial intelligence in business operations, encouraging entrepreneurs to explore AI-driven tools to drive innovation.

Interactive open forums allowed participants to engage directly with speakers, clarifying concepts and exploring real-world applications of digital strategies.

A highlight of the conference was the sharing of success stories by Cavite entrepreneurs. Francart Corporation & Deliclass Corporation’s Jennifer Nuque and Heavenly Favored OPC’s Jerold Chico recounted their journeys of navigating challenges, embracing innovation, and scaling their businesses in a rapidly evolving digital market.

The event concluded with inspiring remarks from PCCI South Luzon Area Vice President Sallie C. Lacson, who urged MSMEs to stay future-ready and open to emerging technologies. OPCDO Officer-in-Charge Myrachel P. Cuadra closed the program by thanking partners, speakers, and participants for their shared commitment to advancing Cavite’s MSME sector. /PR