The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is leading efforts to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for business growth.
Through DTI’s Tatak Pinoy initiative, MSMEs in the region are being equipped with the knowledge and tools to integrate AI into their operations, boosting innovation and competitiveness in both local and global markets.
The Tatak Pinoy or Proudly Filipino Act, a significant industrialization policy enacted in February of this year, highlights AI as one of the technological pillars necessary for elevating the country’s industries.
DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut emphasized the pivotal role that AI can play in transforming MSMEs into globally competitive enterprises. “AI is already part of our lives, it is within and around us already,” she said.
The Tatak Pinoy initiative aligns with this vision by fostering innovation through a multi-year strategy, aiming to deliver high-quality jobs and promote inclusive growth across the nation.
Asec. Baluyut also pointed out that one of the focuses of the ongoing Tatak Pinoy workshops is educating MSMEs on how to adopt AI technologies. These workshops are designed to empower businesses, especially those in underserved regions like Zamboanga Peninsula, ensuring they do not fall behind in the digital age.
DTI-9 opens the Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition 2024 with 136 exhibitors from all over the region including BARMM on September 28 to October 1.
Moreover, the sustained support for MSMEs is evident through the Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) 2024 in Zamboanga City, where 136 exhibitors from across the region showcased their products, highlighting the diverse local industries and innovations.
DTI Asec. Grace Baluyan, who oversees regional operations, noted that the Zamboanga Peninsula is unique due to its colorful heritage and innovative leadership. She highlighted that the region’s strength lies in its ability to integrate cultural elements into projects like the ZAMPEX.
“In fact, I would always tell them, I enjoyed your presentation so much because it’s so colorful. And you’ll see they’ve integrated all the projects that we run in this particular event,” she added.
One of the exhibitors, Baulo de Zamboanga, which has participated in ZAMPEX since 2017, emphasized that the event has allowed them to expand their market, even reaching customers overseas. “To all MSMEs who are just starting, do not give up. You should maintain your perseverance and grit,” said Sharifa Camlian, owner of Baulo de Zamboanga. (EDT/MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)