The Provincial Government of Cotabato, through the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO), convened a stakeholders’ meeting on October 8, 2025, to boost collaboration in strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector and enhancing the province’s tourism industry.
The meeting gathered key partners, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cotabato Province Investment Promotion Center (CPIPC), and the Public Affairs Assistance, Tourism, and Sports Development Division (PAATSDD), along with members of the Provincial Advisory Council.
The initiative forms part of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza’s ongoing efforts to advance a convergence project that fosters inter-agency cooperation, providing technical, financial, and programmatic support to local enterprises and tourism stakeholders.
Representing the governor, Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray, together with DOLE Provincial Director Ernesto H. Coloso and representatives from DTI, expressed full backing for the initiative, underscoring its importance in driving inclusive economic growth across the province.
The convergence is expected to lead to capacity-building workshops for MSMEs, aimed at improving business skills and competitiveness, as well as the rollout of programs that will promote Cotabato’s distinct tourism attractions.
Provincial officials said the collaboration will not only strengthen local industries but also highlight North Cotabato’s potential as a center for entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism development in Central Mindanao.
