The 21st Davao City Council has approved the exemption from payment of Mayor's Permit fees for the MSMED Week 2026 Trade Fair, a measure designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city. The proposal was introduced by Davao City Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, and Tourism and Beautification.
Supporting MSMEs as Economic Pillars
Councilor Ortiz emphasized that MSMEs remain one of the strongest pillars of Davao City's local economy by generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to the city's growth and development. She stated that the city is committed to providing consistent assistance to MSMEs through initiatives that strengthen their competitiveness and expand market opportunities.
“Granting relief from paying the special Mayor’s Permit will encourage wider participation and maximize the benefits of the event,” Ortiz said on June 23, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The exemption will cover the period from July 9 to 12, 2026.
Trade Fair as a Platform for Local Entrepreneurs
The trade fair provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products, gain opportunities, and contribute to the city's economic development, particularly for MSMEs with limited resources. The celebration of MSMED Week 2026 aligns with Section 16 of Republic Act No. 9501, or the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which designates the second week of July every year as “Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week.”
The event will run from July 9 to 12, 2026, with a launch on July 6, 2026, and a trade fair at SM City Davao. During the week-long celebration, capacity-building training and seminars will be offered for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs.
MSMEs: Key Drivers of Davao's Economy
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 99% of businesses in Davao City are MSMEs, making them key contributors to job creation, poverty reduction, and innovation. The 2025 MSMED Week, which opened on July 10, 2025, with the theme “Asenso Negosyo, Angat Kabuhayan: Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighted the vital role of MSMEs in driving the city's economy and promoting entrepreneurship.
The 2025 celebration included training sessions, seminars, and networking opportunities on topics such as customer service, digitalization, financing, business technology, franchising, waste management, intellectual property, and product labeling. The exemption from Mayor's Permit fees for the 2026 trade fair is expected to further boost participation and support the growth of MSMEs in Davao City.
