In an effort to advance enterprise development, RTWPB-V and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region V organized the 2025 Bicol MSME & Productivity Conference in Legazpi City on July 11, 2025. 

With the theme “Strengthening MSMEs through Productivity and Innovation,” the conference empowered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Bicol Region by showcasing productivity best practices, digital transformation, and innovation as key drivers of inclusive economic growth. 

Entrepreneurs, government agencies, business support organizations, and industry stakeholders attended the event to celebrate achievements, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborative support for MSMEs throughout the region.  

“We recognized the vital role MSMEs play in shaping the economic resilience of the Bicol Region,” said DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol. “This conference was designed to equip our entrepreneurs with practical insights, inspire innovation, and help build a more competitive business environment.” 

The conference featured “SOFA Talks”—a well-received segment that highlighted best practices and success stories through engaging conversations with outstanding Bicolano entrepreneurs. These inspiring sessions showcased real-life examples of leadership, resilience, and innovation among local MSMEs. 

To further enrich the experience, simultaneous side events such as the MSME Service Lane offered participants on-the-spot access to government services, business support programs, digital platforms, and technology solutions—enhancing the event’s practical value and impact. 

A major highlight of the event was the 2025 Productivity Olympics Regional Awarding Ceremony, which honored 11 outstanding MSMEs from various provinces in Bicol that successfully implemented productivity improvement programs in their operations. 

“These awardees are living proof that innovation and productivity go hand in hand,” said RTWPB Bicol Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao. “By recognizing their achievements, we encouraged more MSMEs to adopt transformative practices that can boost efficiency, sustainability, and job creation.” (Rizza Jane Z. Deblois)