Keeping Value at Home
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Ferdinand A. Ferrer urges Mindanao businesses to process more raw materials locally. At the 35th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), he said local processing can create jobs, income, and economic value.
“Mindanao doesn’t need to be discovered. What Mindanao needs is to be connected,” Ferrer said. Consequently, cacao, coconut products, dried fruit, and specialty coffee can generate greater value before reaching external markets.
New Opportunities Ahead
Meanwhile, digital services, green energy, halal industries, and tourism offer fresh opportunities for MSMEs. Ferrer also highlighted digital lending, mobile banking, insurance, and payments as tools that can improve financial inclusion.
Ultimately, the three-day 35th MinBizCon in Cagayan de Oro City promotes “Accelerating Inclusive Growth Through Innovation and Sustainability, Bridging the Gap, Scaling the Future.”
