By: Gabriel A. Salvaña
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales Provincial Office has opened the Zambales MSME Week Fair 2026, providing local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a valuable platform to expand their markets, increase sales, and connect with potential customers and business partners.
Launched on July 8 at Harbor Point Ayala Mall in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the trade fair forms part of the nationwide observance of National MSME Development Week 2026, carrying the theme, “Navigating the Shift: Building Resilient and Future-Ready MSMEs.”
DTI Zambales Provincial Director Enrique D. Tacbad, represented by Business Development Division Chief Evangeline S. Bulda, led the opening ceremony together with DTI personnel and partner institutions committed to strengthening the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event gathered representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the MSMED Councils of Olongapo and Zambales, and the private sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration in helping local enterprises become more competitive in both domestic and emerging markets.
Speaking during the opening program, SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von F. Rodriguez reaffirmed the Freeport’s commitment to supporting the growth of small businesses and strengthening the region’s investment climate.
“The Subic Bay Freeport remains committed to creating an environment where micro, small, and medium enterprises can thrive. Through partnerships with DTI and other stakeholders, we are expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs, strengthening market access, and fostering innovation that contributes to inclusive economic growth. MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, and investing in their success is an investment in the future of our communities,” Rodriguez said.
During the program, six entrepreneurs from Zambales who successfully completed the 2026 Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program Batch 1 were recognized for enhancing their business capabilities through mentoring on entrepreneurship, innovation, financial management, and market expansion.
Organizers said the annual fair serves as more than a product showcase—it is a business development initiative that helps MSMEs strengthen brand visibility, generate new business opportunities, and promote locally made products to a wider consumer base.
The opening concluded with the symbolic Resilience Block Ceremony, representing the shared commitment of government agencies, business organizations, and development partners to building a more resilient and future-ready MSME sector.
The Zambales MSME Week Fair 2026 runs until July 12 at the Activity Center and Promenade Area of Harbor Point Ayala Mall, where visitors can explore a diverse selection of food products, handicrafts, fashion accessories, processed food, wellness products, and other locally made goods while directly supporting Zambales entrepreneurs and contributing to the province’s growing economy.