Mindanao Business Leaders Demand Stronger Chambers for Growth

Mindanaon business chambers must build strong governance, robust financial sustainability, and intentional leadership succession to effectively support small and emerging enterprises, according to regional leaders speaking at the 35th Mindanao Business Conference in Cagayan de Oro City. Nenita R. Malbas, chairperson of the event and area vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Mindanao, stated during the opening session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, that changing economic environments require chambers to look beyond basic organizational survival.

Building Future-Proof Business Chambers in Mindanao

Small and emerging enterprises across the region frequently struggle to find viable pathways to market. According to interviews conducted by MindaNews at Limketkai Mall, individual entrepreneurs often lack the resources necessary to scale their operations independently. These recurring challenges form a core part of the broader policy advocacy work handled by regional business chambers.

Malbas emphasized that organizations need to evaluate their long-term structural integrity. “The question before us is not simply how do we keep our chamber operating,” Malbas said during her speech. “The bigger question is how do we build chambers that will remain strong and relevant even long after our term of leadership has ended.” Future-proof chambers require clear governance, engaged members, and a distinct purpose focused on creating tangible value for local business communities.

Intentional Leadership Succession Strategies

Sustaining institutional relevance depends heavily on how organizations manage leadership transitions. Dr. Alberto P. Fenix Jr., PCCI president emeritus and director heading the Philippine Chamber Development Institute, mentioned in a statement to MindaNews that keeping operations steady must not be treated as a matter of luck.

“Leadership succession should not happen by accident or by chance,” Fenix said in an interview. Chambers need to cultivate future leaders who bring fresh ideas while learning from the experience and wisdom of those who came before them.

Translating Regional Concerns Into Actionable Resolutions

Business concerns remain largely consistent across different regions. Dr. Irene Austria Floro, Chairman of the Board of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber), pointed out during discussions that implementation represents the main obstacle.

To solve this, Floro proposed a mechanism to gather issues from different regions, study them and translate them into resolutions. MinDA is set to create a dedicated portal to house these proposals, enabling the various chambers to keep track of their progress, as she proposed. The system is designed to safeguard the advocacy pipeline across administrative transitions, ensuring visibility for both executive officers and general members.

The 35th MinBizCon, themed “Accelerating Inclusive Growth for Business Through Innovation and Sustainability: Bridging the Gap, Scaling the Future,” brings together business chambers and other stakeholders to discuss the region’s economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon)?

MinBizCon brings together business chambers and other stakeholders to discuss the region’s economic future.

Why is leadership succession important for business chambers?

Organizations must develop upcoming directors capable of introducing innovative concepts while drawing upon the insight and background of past members.

How do business chambers track regional policy resolutions?

MinDA is creating an online platform designed to store these proposed measures so that local chapters can easily keep an eye on them.

Nenita R. Malbas delivers an address at the commencement of the 35th MinBizCon held in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. MindaNews photo by IVANA JANLEE A. OTOC