By Ivy Tejano
WOMEN entrepreneurs gathered at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City as the Women’s Business Council Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and SM Supermalls, kicked off the Women’s Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair on Thursday, March 12. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Women entrepreneurs gathered at SM Lanang Premier here as the Women’s Business Council Philippines opened the Women’s Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, the first in the Davao region, on Thursday, March 12.
The three-day trade fair, organized by WomenBizPH with the Department of Trade and Industry and SM Supermalls, showcases women-led small businesses and offers opportunities for promotion, learning, and networking.
Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, chairwoman of WomenBizPH, said the Women’s Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair marks a significant milestone for the initiative that began four years ago in Metro Manila.
Caliwara said the event expanded to Mindanao in its fifth year and the timing is meaningful as it coincides with the celebration of Women’s Month and the 89th Araw ng Dabaw.
“It took time and effort to bring this trade fair here in Mindanao, but with the encouragement of our partners, especially the Department of Trade and Industry, we made it happen,” Caliwara said.
She added that the event aims to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs while encouraging collaboration and mutual support among them. “When women support women, great things happen.”
Mary Ann Montemayor, focal person of WomenBizPH, described the Davao staging as a milestone event and part of their flagship initiative series, which serves as a marketplace and a venue showcasing the creativity and resilience of Filipina entrepreneurs.
She highlighted the role of the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines in advancing women’s economic participation and promoting initiatives aligned with regional economic cooperation.
Founded in 1997, Montemayor said the organization has advocated for women’s participation in business and served as a private sector partner of the government in promoting women’s economic empowerment through regional platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“The Davao event expands the initiative’s reach to Mindanao and strengthens regional economic participation,” Montamayor said. “This marks an important landmark as WomenBiz expands its reach to Mindanao.”
Montemayor said that the Women’s Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair is here to expand market access, strengthen business resilience, foster collaboration, and advance women’s economic empowerment.
Department of Trade and Industry-11 Regional Director Romeo Castañaga said the DTI supports the initiative, citing their role in promoting inclusive economic growth. He said the trade fair brings together women-led MSMEs under one platform.
“This initiative reflects the growing strength and influence of women entrepreneurs in our region and nationwide,” Castañaga said, adding that the event provides market opportunities for MSMEs, builds networks, and strengthens business capacities.
Castañaga said that the trade fair is a platform for empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth, ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not only participants in development but also leaders of development.
The trade fair will be held from March 12 to 14, featuring product exhibits, learning sessions, and talks to help entrepreneurs gain new skills and expand their businesses. Outstanding participants will receive a laptop at the end of the event.
