Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in partnership with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) together with the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN), the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) through the APEC–Canada Growing Business Partnership, hosted the final leg of the Policy Leadership Workshop Series from January 13 to 15, 2026.
This collaborative national event, hosted at CLSU and made possible through the active participation of Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, Vice President for Business Affairs, aimed to strengthen cultural micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through inclusive and gender-responsive policy innovation.
The workshop series equipped participants with practical skills in digital innovation, financial literacy, and inclusive program design. Furthermore, the sessions empowered stakeholders to co-develop policy proposals supporting women-led MSMEs and established vital linkages between government, academia, and the private sector.
University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella conveyed a message of support at the event, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking.
"Gatherings like this are essential in promoting inclusive growth and empowering women as key drivers of economic development at both the local and national levels," President Abella stated.
The workshop was attended by 33 participants, bringing together the representatives from LGU and DTI Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including MSME owners, support organizations, academics, researchers, and development partners who share a common goal of advancing inclusive and gender responsive approaches to MSME development.
To conclude the first day, participants toured the CLSU campus to explore its history and commercialized technologies and to witness firsthand how university-led innovations can be integrated into their own business practices to boost competitiveness.
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