Maria Victoria Evangelista, president of the Sta. Cruz Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. and CEO of the homegrown cosmetic brand Bioskin Philippines Davao, emphasized that while the municipality is home to major industrial companies, many small businesses, especially IP-led enterprises, still need assistance, particularly in marketing and product development.
“The chamber’s primary goal is to uplift SMEs, especially those operated by IPs. While Sta. Cruz hosts big players like San Miguel Brewery Inc., Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc., Franklin Baker Company, andSeñorita Farms, we also need to empower the smaller enterprises,” Evangelista said during the Business Matters press forum held at Hukad, Ayala Malls Abreeza.
One of the chamber’s key initiatives involves supporting the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe through the Tibolo Farm Workers Association (TIFWA) in Barangay Tibolo, where many of its members are engaged in coffee production. Situated at the foot of Mt. Apo, the Cultural Village in Tibolo serves as a vibrant home to the Bagobo Tagabawa community.
According to Evangelista, marketing remains a major challenge for many local entrepreneurs. The chamber is helping address this by training members on proper packaging and branding strategies to make their products more market-ready.
Since its formation in 2024, the Sta. Cruz Chamber of Commerce has been actively encouraging SMEs to register as members so they can access support services and participate in capacity-building programs, and facilitate membership with the Department of Trade and Industry. To date, the chamber has welcomed 40 new members, including a number from the IP sector.
Companies like Bioskin Philippines Davao and the plant-based food enterprise Bec and Geris - both chamber members- are also playing a role in supporting smaller businesses by sourcing raw materials locally and helping them find a wider market.
Recently, Bioskin and Bec, and Geris brought along several SMEs, including TIFWA members, to the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) at the International Convention Center in Manila. This was a major three-day business event offering the businessmen valuable exposure to national and international buyers.
“These partnerships not only help promote local products but also strengthen the supply chain within Sta. Cruz,” Evangelista noted. Most local farmers are engaged in producing coffee, coconut, and bananas—crops that serve as key inputs for both companies.
Both Bioskin and Bec and Geris are now exporting their products to international markets, including the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, creating broader opportunities for Sta. Cruz's grassroots producers.
BUSINESS MATTERS GUESTS. Maria Victoria Evangelista, president Sta. Cruz Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. and CEO of the homegrown cosmetic brand Bioskin Philippines Davao, and Irick Francisco communication officer Philippine Eagle Foundation.