UP ISSI holds 2nd ICESMED
The University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) hosted the 2nd International Conference on Entrepreneurship and SME Development from 27 to 28 November 2025, advancing dialogue on MSME sustainability and digital transformation.
The theme, “The Twin Transition: Steering MSMEs Toward a Sustainable and Inclusive Future,” set the conference’s focus on exploring strategies and research to advance MSMEs’ sustainability in the digital era.
The conference’s plenary sessions were held at the Malcolm Theater of UP College of Law. Mx. Jake Villanueva and Mr. Joshua Garcia hosted the two plenary sessions, respectively.
The first plenary session formally commenced the event. UP Diliman Chancellor Atty Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II shared his conference opening message for the conference participants, while the UPD Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Dr. Carl Michael Odulio offered his welcome remarks. UP ISSI Research Division Head and ICESMED 2025 Chair, Dr. Ian Jester M. de Vera, delivered the overview of the conference.
Ms. Mona Celine Marie V. Yap of the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office and Dr. William D. Padolina of the National Academy of Science and Technology delivered opening messages. The speakers shared how their respective institutions contribute to the welfare and development of sustainable and resilient MSMEs.
Dr. Maria Estela Varua of Western Sydney University, and ICESMED 2025’s World Expert, delivered a keynote message emphasizing the twin transition and the central role of the MSMEs in this emerging shift.
“Economic disruptions from global pandemics to geopolitical tensions are testing our capacity to adapt. Yet, in the midst of this turbulence, there is something extraordinary happening. We are entering what many call the “twin transition”. A moment where digital innovation and sustainability are not simply parallel paths, but deeply intertwined forces shaping the future of our societies and economies. And at the center of these transformations stand micro, small, and medium enterprises: the beating heart of both Australia’s and the Philippines’ economic landscape. These enterprises are not peripheral; they are foundational. They represent entrepreneurship, community strength, creativity, and the spirit of possibility,” said Dr. Varua during her speech.
Atty. Henry Rhoel Aguda, Secretary of the Department of Information, Communication, and Technology (DICT), delivered another keynote message focusing on the digitalization efforts of the Philippine government for MSMEs.
Speakers for the first plenary session include Ms. Una Grace Dollete, OIC-Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Rizal; Atty. Diego Luis Santiago, Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Innovation Staff and National Innovation Council (NIC) Secretariat; and Ms. Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, DICT Director. Their presentation mainly focused on the policy and ecosystem for MSME digital transformation. Dr. de Vera moderated the open forum of the plenary session.
The second day’s plenary sessions focused on leveraging green transformation to drive productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive growth among MSMEs, and financing MSMEs’ digital and sustainable transformation. Speakers include Mr. Ochie San Juan, Chief Farmer of Mayani Philippines; Mr. Rich Watanabe, Chief Executive Officer of The Coffee Heritage Project; Mr. Jerome Ignacio, Assistant Director for Development Services of the Foundation for Sustainable Society, Inc.; and Mr. Shigehiro Shinozaki, Senior Economist of the Asian Development Bank. For this session, UP ISSI Director and ICESMED 2025 Co-chair, Asst. Prof. Melanie M. Moraga-Leaño moderated the open forum.
Breakout sessions were conducted in the afternoon. Participants witnessed paper presentations on various conference subthemes, such as Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for MSME Sustainability, Digital Inclusion, Empowering Micro-enterprises, and Adoption of Sustainable Business Practices Among MSMEs.
The awarding of certificates for paper presenters took place on the afternoon of ICESMED 2025 Day 2. Dr. de Vera and Asst. Prof. Moraga-Leaño expressed their thanks to all who made the event possible.
The International Conference for Entrepreneurship and SME Development is a biennial event of the UP ISSI. This year’s ICESMED was co-sponsored by the UP Office of International Linkages and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development.