CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern
Mindanao need to innovate, improve product presentation and expand market linkages to remain
competitive as consumer preferences and business conditions change, the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) said.

DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut made the call during her interaction with MSMEs at
the 2026 Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair at Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro City.
Baluyut said MSMEs account for 99.6% of registered enterprises in the Philippines,
underscoring their contribution to employment and economic activity.

In Northern Mindanao, about 47,748 MSMEs operate across various sectors, including about
43,000 microenterprises, 4,000 small enterprises, and 144 medium enterprises, she said.
“Some of you might think that these numbers may be modest. Yes, but they reflect Region 10’s
active engagement in key economic sectors such as retail trade, food services, and
manufacturing. This data highlights the importance of sustained support from both public and
private partners,” she said.
She identified coffee, cacao, coconut, bamboo, wearables, home-style products, and processed
fruits and nuts among the region’s key products, while noting emerging opportunities in
sustainable products, health and wellness, specialty food, creative industries, and digitally
enabled enterprises.
Baluyut said Northern Mindanao’s economic diversity offers MSMEs opportunities to develop
products that respond to changing consumer demand and reach wider markets.
“Region 10 is the second-largest contributor to agriculture, forestry, and fishing, the sixth-largest
contributor to industry, and the sixth contributor to services, and has the second-highest per
capita GRDP based on PSA 2024 data,” she said.
She urged MSMEs to move beyond simply producing goods and instead focus on product
differentiation, innovation, and value addition.
Packaging as a market tool
Baluyut said improving packaging and labeling is one way MSMEs can strengthen their
competitiveness and gain consumer trust.
“Market access is more than reaching customers. MSMEs need support in product development,
packaging, and labeling,” she said.
She encouraged entrepreneurs to treat packaging as part of their investment in business growth
rather than as an additional cost.
“Packaging is not an expense. It is an investment in growth, competitiveness, and market
access,” Baluyut said.
She added that MSMEs should continue improving their designs, packaging, and labeling to
respond to consumer preferences and comply with market requirements.
Bringing support closer to entrepreneurs
DTI-10 continues to assist its 96 Negosyo Centers across Northern Mindanao, where
entrepreneurs can access business consultations and training.

The agency also implements programs that provide financing, equipment, mentoring, and market
support, including assistance through the Small Business Corp., Shared Service Facilities, Tatak
Pinoy, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, and Kapatid Mentor ME.
Market access remains another focus of DTI’s support for MSMEs.
Baluyut cited the Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair as one avenue for enterprises to introduce
their products to consumers while building connections with buyers, business partners, and
potential investors.
The Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair has been held for 32 years, providing Northern Mindanao
enterprises with opportunities to showcase locally made products and connect with potential
markets.
This year’s Kahimunan features 111 exhibitors from across Northern Mindanao. Baluyut also
said DTI has increased its target number of trade fairs in the region from 17 to 29 this year.
Baluyut urged local government units, chambers of commerce, tourism stakeholders, and other
partners to help create markets for locally made products by featuring and procuring them for
events, offices, and corporate giveaways.
She also encouraged consumers to consider locally made products when making purchases.
(JAKA/PIA-10)