Strengthening Indigenous Entrepreneurship in the Philippines
We recently delivered a two-day export readiness workshop in Manila, bringing together 15 Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders from various tribes across the Philippines. They represented products including traditional handicrafts, fashion, and skincare to agricultural goods such as banana chips, coconut products, and abaca fibre.
ECA’s Arnold Jorge and Angela Wright were joined by Australian First Nations entrepreneur, Oral McGuire of Noongar Land Enterprise Group, who shared his vast experience with participants and explored collaborative opportunities between Australia and the Philippines.
Funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the workshop was supported by host economy officials and speakers from the Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau, Bianca Sykimte and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz. Guest speakers also included Airspeed, the International Trade Centre, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) and NCIP.
Indigenous participants gained practical skills and insights to take their businesses global. Workshop topics included:
- Export market opportunity analysis: participants explored demand for their unique products and adjustments for international markets
- Export registration & processes: including how to navigate regulatory systems
- Intellectual property (IP) protection: safeguarding product design and traditional knowledge from misuse or exploitation
- Understanding international payments: including financial literacy for business, and cross-border transactions
- Pitching & storytelling: sharing cultural narratives and business visions in compelling ways
- Alternative business models: brainstorming new approaches to current business models including ‘razor and blades’
- Women and leadership: recognising the contribution Indigenous women make in their communities, and the importance of economic empowerment.
The workshop helped participants build confidence and think in new ways about entering global markets. The practical format allowing robust discussions fostered meaningful connections amongst speakers and peers, paving the way for future collaboration.
The two days concluded with a certificate ceremony and remarks from Luisa Rust, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Embassy in Manila, and Undersecretary Ceferino ‘Perry’ Rodolfo, head of Industry Development and Investment Promotions Group.
We look forward to further supporting Indigenous exports from the Philippines.