The 13th Asian Innovation Forum (AIF) took center stage on Friday, 6 December 2024, at the Bloomingdale Subdivision Covered Court in Angono, Rizal. With the theme “Facing the Headwinds of Financial Stability,” the event united hundreds of entrepreneurs, local government leaders, and industry stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and financial resilience strategies for Filipino businesses.

Empowering entrepreneurs through innovation

DAILY TRIBUNE Editor-at-Large John Dodson welcomed participants on behalf of President Willie Fernandez. Dodson highlighted AIF’s mission to foster economic growth, promote innovation, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive. He expressed gratitude to event partners Maya, PCSO, Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), and Cebu CFI Community Cooperative for their steadfast support.

Angono Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon expressed her gratitude to the DAILY TRIBUNE for bringing the AIF to her city. She shared her own experiences as a business owner and emphasized the importance of continuous learning to navigate challenges in the business landscape.

In his welcome remarks, Angono Public Employment Service Officer Angelo San Juan lauded business owners for their resilience during the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving technologies, particularly the digitalization of payment processes, citing global trends in automation and entrepreneurship as key factors for survival and growth.

He noted that, while emerging digitalization had the potential to negatively impact jobs, entrepreneurship and business ownership will remain strong opportunities for to succeed and excel in the digital age.

Insights from business leaders and advocates

DAILY TRIBUNE Executive Director for Events and Promotion Chingkee Mangcucang and co-host Kim Sancha introduced a compelling lineup of speakers.

Kaunlad Pinoy Party-list VP for Training and Culture Lec Toribio shared an inspiring personal story, reminding participants of the value of perseverance, self-improvement, and collaboration. “At Kaunlad Pinoy, we want each Filipino to succeed, become stronger, and learn how to do business. Unlike other jobs, the fruits of entrepreneurship can be inherited by your children,” Toribio said.

He encouraged attendees to focus on their strengths and surround themselves with like-minded individuals to achieve their goals.

Repay Digital Solutions Marketing Director Brian Mendoza provided practical advice on overcoming the challenges of starting a business. He introduced Repay’s innovative digital mobile wallet, which simplifies the payment process and equips MSMEs with essential tools for success. Mendoza emphasized the company’s role in training business teams, fostering growth, and expanding market reach.

“New businesses are the future entrepreneurs of the Philippines,” he said.

Maya Territory Solutions Manager Meynard Gatla outlined the advantages of Maya’s all-in-one platform for payments, banking, and loans. He highlighted the efficiency of person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions, which reduce errors and streamline payment processes.

Gatla also introduced Maya Negosyo Advance, a collateral-free loan designed to help businesses scale. He shared success stories of entrepreneurs who transformed their ventures through Maya’s support, illustrating the platform’s tangible impact on business growth.

SB Corp Public Relations Officer Jaynie Pajarillaga presented government programs aimed at empowering MSMEs. She detailed the RISE UP Loan Program, designed to sustain businesses recovering from crises, and the Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing (ERF) program, which provides emergency funds for MSMEs affected by calamities.

The 13th AIF demonstrated the power of collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and local entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and innovation. Participants left the event equipped with actionable insights to advance their ventures amid financial challenges.

Upcoming event: Tindahan ni Tarsee

As the forum concluded, the DAILY TRIBUNE encouraged participants to mark their calendars for Tindahan ni Tarsee, taking place from 13 to 15 December at the Upper Ground Floor, Civil Hall, East Wing, Festival Mall, Alabang. This event will showcase local products from partner MSMEs and celebrate Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Stay tuned for future Asian Innovation Forum events as we continue to champion Filipino entrepreneurship and innovation.