TARLAC CITY — As part of its continuous support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Tarlac Provincial MSME Development Council (PSMEDC) hosted the 3rd Tarlac Business Conference and Expo (BizConEx).
Held from July 18 to 19 at the Diwa ng Tarlac Convention Center, the two-day event gathered exhibitors, students, business owners, investors, as well as representatives from national government agencies and local government units across the province.
Present during the event were key personalities including Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tarlac President Aileen Chan, PCCI North Luzon Area Vice President Maria Amalia Cayanan, DTI Region III Director Edna Dizon, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, and Tarlac Governor Christian Yap.
Cayanan stressed that BizConEx served as a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products or services, expand their networks, and increase business reach and visibility.
Aside from the trade fair where MSMEs showcased their products or services, the event also offered learning sessions that tackled various business-related topics such as franchising, a Halal forum, an artificial intelligence (AI) seminar, and a photography workshop.
For the 3rd BizConEx, the MSMEDC also introduced a new feature—the BizConsulta booth.
In an interview, PCCI Executive Director Maiko Pascual shared that BizConsulta aimed to provide additional support to MSMEs.
“Pwedeng pumunta doon iyong mga negosyante kung mayroon silang ideya kung paano nila gagawin iyong business nila at kung kailangan nila ng kaunting kahalili kung paano mag-comply sa government, sa taxation, sa corporate requirements, pwede silang mabigyan ng payo doon. (Business owners can visit the BizConsulta booth if they have ideas on how to start their business or if they need help with government compliance, taxation, or corporate requirements),” Pascual explained.
Pascual also encouraged MSMEs to attend conventions like Tarlac BizConEx to explore possible venues for expansion and build connections within the business community.
Meanwhile, for an entrepreneurship student like Irving Ramos, BizConEx was helpful for students who also want to put up their own business in the future.
The PCCI also announced that next year’s PCCI North Luzon Business Conference is set to be held in the province. (MJSC/AJRR, PIA REGION 3-Tarlac)