WomenBizPH Hybrid Trade Fair Opens in Davao, Showcasing Women-Led Businesses
The Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, organized by WomenBizPH, commenced on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the SM Lanang Atrium in Davao City. This three-day event brings together at least 30 exhibitors from Mindanao, Luzon, and the Visayas, highlighting the growing influence of women entrepreneurs in the Philippines.
Event Details and Significance
The trade fair, running from March 12 to 14, is part of ASEAN-accredited activities in Davao City, coinciding with the Philippines' preparations to host the ASEAN summit this year. It serves as a platform for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises to showcase their products and network with industry stakeholders.
Romeo Castañaga of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11 emphasized the event's role in promoting inclusive economic growth. "This initiative reflects the growing strength and influence of women entrepreneurs in our region," he stated during the opening program. Castañaga added that supporting women entrepreneurs helps create jobs, generate value, and build resilient local economies.
Expansion and Milestones
Rhoda Castro-Caliwara noted that the trade fair has expanded significantly since its launch in Metro Manila four years ago. "We started in Metro Manila, expanded our reach, and in our fifth year, we are finally bringing the event here to Mindanao, here in Davao," she said. The timing aligns with International Women's Month and Davao's Araw ng Dabaw celebrations.
Mary Ann 'Baby' Montemayor, event chair and focal person for WomenBizPH in Davao, described the fair as a milestone for the organization's expansion into Mindanao. "This is more than just a marketplace. It is a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and collective strength of Filipina entrepreneurs," she remarked.
Programs and Highlights
The event includes talks, fireside chats, mentoring sessions, and networking activities designed to help entrepreneurs develop new skills and explore business growth opportunities. A mini fashion show by Joy Soo's House of Musa featured banana fiber–woven designs created by persons deprived of liberty from Davao del Norte, alongside handcrafted earrings by artisans from the Kagan Tribe of Tagum City.
DTI continues to support women entrepreneurs through initiatives like the RAPID Growth Project, which focuses on value chains in cacao, coffee, coconut, and banana industries. Notable women entrepreneurs recognized at the event include Chari Pentespina of Malagos Agriventures, Joy Soo of House of Musa, and Marivic Dubria of Dubria Coffee Farm.
Future Prospects
The trade fair aims to strengthen partnerships with institutions such as DTI and expand opportunities for women-led enterprises in regional markets, including the ASEAN economic community. Organizers emphasize its role in fostering collaboration and learning among entrepreneurs, contributing to sustainable economic development in the Philippines.
