The most recent news of our country’s lower-than-hoped -for 4.4 percent gross domestic product in 2025 has surprised many, including myself. Over the weekend, many pundits and analysts have parsed this important news. I will encourage you to read these details on our country’s recent economic performance and projections for 2026, many of which are aptly reported in our publication’s business pages. After all, how we are growing as an economy matters to us as individuals and businesses, as we are all affected, being part of the economy.

With such figures, the main fear is that this may indicate some sort of trend that will lead to a lowered demand for products and services. These come in the images of empty restaurant and beauty shop seats, store shelves brimming with unsold inventory. All these may signal decreased demand. Yet the more important question is what we, as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), need to do to prevent this outcome from taking place for our businesses. Moreover, what collective steps can we take as MSMEs to boost overall economic recovery?

That said, it bears recalling that MSMEs have always managed to survive despite difficult economic times. The networks they have in the local economies they operate in are strong since they meet the needs of the local populace. All major Mindanao cities have a store or restaurant that has persisted through the decades, overcoming the challenges. These establishments are able to manage or take care of their customer and supplier base. This mutual support within the supply chain strengthens the network and helps them survive downturns and take advantage of the good economic times so that they grow and expand. Local employment remains robust, demand for food from local farmers is sustained, and the economy keeps humming.

Thus, to tread the path of recovery, we need to support currently operating local businesses. The more we buy from local businesses, the better they will survive and keep jobs intact.

Another means of pushing recovery and growth is facilitating the entry of new manufacturing companies since these can create many direct and indirect jobs.

This is especially true if they are agro-processing ventures that turn our farm produce into higher-value-added products. The value they add, when sold outside our regions, adds to our regional economic growth and, in turn, that of the cities and provinces we are a part of.

In the end, I will reiterate the importance of watching how our local businesses are performing, as they tell us how our local economy is growing. Let us work together!