President Marcos highlighted the role of digital media in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as he led the 2025 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, April 9.

In his speech, President Marcos specifically lauded the Department of Trade and Industry's Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace platform, saying it would help even the smallest vendors connect with more customers.

"This is very important because this is using the digital technology to expand markets, to expand supply chains, to make more efficient the delivery of goods and services," he said.

"Yung maliliit na mga tindahan, restaurant, negosyo, pagka nagamit na nila itong bagong app natin… hindi lamang ang mga kapitbahay nila ang kanilang kausap… kung hindi lahat na nang ma-contact sa itong bagong app na ito (Small shops, restaurants, businesses—once they use this new app, they won’t only be dealing with their neighbors, but with everyone they can reach through this app)," he added.

According to the President, the app's launch was a "significant milestone" in the transformation of local industries.

He added that the app would focus on sustainability, product innovation, and adopting new technologies in food processing and manufacturing.

"[It] will empower MSMEs by providing them a space where their products can be seen, recognized, and valued by a wider market," he said.

"Dahil sa digital space, hindi na importante kahit na kung nasaan sa mundo, kaya nilang makita ang magiging produkto ninyo (Because of the digital space, it doesn’t matter where you are in the world—they can see your products)," he added.

Marcos also acknowledged the importance of secure digital transactions.

"We are also committed to ensuring that our entrepreneurs and consumers are protected through secure cashless payment systems," he said.

"With every online order that is placed, we are not only supporting the local products and services of our MSMEs, we are helping our Filipino entrepreneurs realize their dreams," he added.

With this, the President said the DTI will lead the implementation of a framework that aims to ensure the long-term functionality and support for MSMEs in today's digital economy.

He added that the government is validating the local producers' capability to create high-quality products worth every peso that can be marketed internationally.

"We must, therefore, work hand in hand to provide our local businesses with the knowledge and the resources that they need to navigate this new digital landscape," Marcos said.

"Such initiatives and support stand as essential pillars in ensuring that our MSMEs remain competitive in an ever-changing market," he added.