The Philippine APEC Study Center Network’s (PASCN) “Policy Leadership Workshop Series: Strengthening Cultural MSMEs through Inclusive and Gender-Sensitive Policy Innovation” wrapped up on January 14 and 15, 2026, bringing women-led cultural MSMEs and government representatives together for learning and exchange at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the DTI Philippines MSME Hub in Makati City.
Spanning multiple locations across the country, the series created spaces for participants to engage with MSME-supportive university research and extension hubs, take part in workshops and study tours, and join facilitated discussions—helping them surface key policy gaps, identify opportunities, and envision how their lived experiences can inform the development of gender-responsive MSME policies.
In the third and final leg, participants pitched their policy ideas and exchanged feedback on how existing frameworks can better support women-led and cultural MSMEs. Discussions highlighted several entry points for reform, including the role of digital technologies and the need for stronger support for indigenous and cultural communities.
A study tour of CLSU followed, showcasing how the integration of research, facilities, and enterprises can cultivate an ecosystem responsive to MSME growth and community needs.
The journey concluded at the DTI MSME Hub in Makati City, where participants explored a range of end-products, offering a glimpse of what a vibrant, inclusive, and MSME-supportive trade and industry sector can achieve.
Insights from the workshop series will be synthesized by PASCN into policy notes, with the aim of informing and influencing MSME policy development.
The Policy Leadership Workshop Series is organized by òòò½´«Ã½ and PASCN, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada through the APEC–Canada Growing Business Partnership, and is funded by the Government of Canada, with the support of CLSU, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, and the Department of Trade and Industry.
