DAVAO CITY, Philippines (June 25, 2024) – Upgrade Innolab successfully held a stakeholder dialogue for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in cooperation with the international organization United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on June 25 to 26, 2024 at the Pinnacle Hotel Suites, Davao City.
The forum, entitled ‘Enhancing Private Sector Engagement in the Bangsamoro: A Dialogue with the Private Sector and Community-Based Organizations,’ gathered over 100 stakeholders doing business in the BARMM to showcase the region’s growing grassroots enterprises.
The event opened with a discussion on UNDP initiatives in Bangsamoro and its economic development priorities from 2024-2028 and a presentation on the sustainable development goals (SDG) investor map.
During the event, Daren Española, Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority Economic Intelligence Division (EID) Chief, presented the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan and its milestones on socio-economic development.
Grassroots enterprises were also given a platform to raise important issues within their immediate community with BARMM government representatives and private sector stakeholders.
Together, they brainstormed possible opportunities for improvement and growth, especially in agriculture and fisheries, tourism, culture, and food.
Participants also learned from successful investment stories from Yusop Estrera Dimaporo of Yedventures, John Louie Ablanque of AASC Technologies, Joji Pantoja of Coffee for Peace, Farrah Ainie Joe Hadji of Inay Restaurant and Café Farrah.
BARMM’s young entrepreneurs, Jalalodin Mustari of Aretes Style, Sittie Asia Mangompia Mai of Mushroom for Change, and Sittie Aisah Balt of Kakaw Meranaw also took center stage to present how their community-based enterprises are thriving in the Bangsamoro with the help of the development sector.
The two-day event immersed the participants in a series of insightful, inspiring, and motivating panel discussions, gallery walks, product displays, fireside chats, brainstorming sessions, and networking for new collaborations.
Among the stakeholders present during the event are Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) director Shamera Abobakar, ODA Nationally Funded Programs and Projects Coordination Division chief Hasna Adam, Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) chair Mohammad Pasigan; BARMM Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority (CSEA) division chief Lininding Domaub Pangandaman, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform chief agriculturist Datu Hamsur J. Zaid, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Halal Industry Development program manager Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, Metro Kutawato Chamber of Commerce chair Pete Marquez, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation executive director, Veronica Gabaldon; STI Cotabato City personal initiative trainer, Maricris Villarico; and Raheemah Peace Weavers executive director Baicon Cayongcat.
The event was a culmination of UNDP’s Enhancing Food Security & Livelihood in Bangsamoro’ program which was also funded by the Government of Japan and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
