PALO, LEYTE — The 34th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) 2025 opened with a forward-looking agenda as the Tacloban-Leyte Business Expo launched on July 24 at the Leyte Academic Center, signaling a renewed focus on regional innovation, micro-entrepreneurship, and smart technologies.
Hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Tacloban-Leyte Inc. (PCCTLI), the event gathers over 70 exhibitors and key figures from both public and private sectors across the Visayas.
The convergence underscores a crucial shift in regional development strategy—one that positions MSMEs and science-based innovation as the twin engines of inclusive and sustainable growth.
A standout among the exhibitors is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VIII, which is using the Expo platform to highlight its role in enabling economic resilience through technology. Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña highlights the line “Resilience through Innovation,” spotlighting flagship initiatives like the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and Project SARAi.
These programs aim to modernize disaster response, improve agricultural productivity, and build digital infrastructure in rural areas—sectors that remain critical in a region prone to typhoons and economic disparities.
This year’s theme, “One Visayas,” reflects a broader narrative of interconnected growth, where local solutions are designed to scale regionally.
The Expo’s schedule of workshops, hackathons, and networking sessions signals a deliberate pivot toward capacity building and innovation ecosystems, especially tailored to MSMEs that form 99% of the country’s businesses.
By fusing entrepreneurship with smart technologies, the conference not only amplifies local business potential but also reinforces the Visayas' role in national recovery and future readiness.
With the conference culminating on July 25, the agenda sets the tone for how provincial economies can leverage collaboration, tech adoption, and science-driven policies to chart a smarter, more resilient future for Eastern Visayas and beyond.
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