CAGAYAN de Oro City — Turning Mindanao’s economic priorities into concrete investments, policies, and opportunities for small businesses emerged as a key challenge as the 35th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) concluded here on Wednesday.
The three-day conference, held Aug. 11 to 13, brought together business leaders, government agencies, development institutions, and other stakeholders to identify gaps that continue to limit Mindanao’s competitiveness and inclusive economic growth.
Discussions focused on power, connectivity, digital infrastructure, financing, skills, market access, agriculture and aquaculture, halal industries, energy transition, sustainable tourism, and MSME modernization.
Conference organizers said the discussions were intended not only to identify Mindanao’s economic advantages but also to determine what must be done now to prepare the island for the next 10 to 20 years.
Irene L. Floro, chair of the Oro Chamber board and conference director, said Mindanao needs to bridge gaps between large enterprises and MSMEs, innovation and commercialization, local products and global markets, technology and accessibility, and investment opportunities and available capital.
She said digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation must create opportunities that reach smaller businesses and communities rather than benefit only large enterprises.
“For our entrepreneurs, sustainability should not simply mean compliance. It should become a source of competitiveness. And for our communities, innovation should not simply create new technologies. It must create new opportunities. That is what we mean by inclusive growth,” Floro said.
From discussions to action
The conference also placed emphasis on ensuring that recommendations do not remain as proposals after the event.
Reggie D. Punongbayan, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Northern Mindanao regional governor and 35th MinBizCon vice chair, said accelerating Mindanao’s growth requires urgent action while ensuring that its benefits reach farmers, workers, women, entrepreneurs, Indigenous communities, and MSMEs.
“Our solutions must not simply be read and filed away. They must be pursued. They must be monitored and acted upon,” Punongbayan said.
She said Mindanao must address gaps in power, connectivity, technology, financing, skills, market access, and public policy so innovation can reduce rather than widen economic disparities.
Cagayan de Oro City Councilor George Christopher Q. Goking said the issues discussed during the conference have direct implications for businesses and communities.
He noted that power costs and reliability influence investment decisions, infrastructure affects farmers’ ability to move products to markets, and financing can help entrepreneurs expand their businesses.
Digital connectivity, he added, could help small businesses reach larger markets, while Mindanao’s agriculture, tourism, halal industries, and other products could gain wider access to ASEAN and international markets.
Mindanao eyes bigger role in regional economy
Department of Economy and Development (DEPDev)-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño said the conference came at a crucial time as Mindanao strengthens its role in national development and as a gateway to regional and global markets.
Cariño said the island has demonstrated its potential to attract investments, foster innovation, and contribute to policy reforms while supporting sustainable development.
“The RDC-10 views the private sector not only as the engine of economic activity but as a key partner in driving climate-responsive and sustainable development,” she said.
The conference also featured a trade fair, exhibits, business matching, panel discussions, networking activities, and cultural events aimed at connecting businesses with potential markets, investors, and partners.
With the conference now concluded, organizers and business leaders face the next step: translating the priorities raised during the three-day gathering into programs, investments, and policy actions that can expand opportunities across Mindanao.
The 35th MinBizCon carried the theme, “Accelerating Inclusive Growth through Innovation and Sustainability, Bridging the Gap, Scaling the Future.”
