Intergenerational Empowerment for Our Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Stories from Philippines and Indonesia

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are considered to have an important role in driving the economy of countries in Southeast Asia. According to data from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), there are currently more than 70 million MSMEs in Southeast Asia employing more than 140 million people and representing 99 percent of all businesses in the region. However, Southeast Asia continues to face challenges in building a sustainable MSME ecosystem, particularly in helping small businesses navigate an evolving landscape.

In the Philippines, efforts to empower MSMEs that preserve traditional crafts are gaining momentum in Iloilo, a region renowned for its hand-loom weaving. Once a thriving industry in the late 18th century, it struggled due to a decline in skilled artisans. To sustain the craft, the Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office, has initiated programs like the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair. This event has since evolved into a partnership with ISAT-University’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program, offering a platform for emerging designers.

Restorative Economy effort that Blends Conservation and Community Empowerment: Practice from Indonesia and Philippines

Southeast Asia faces escalating economic challenges, including global fragmentation, geopolitical shifts, and the climate crisis. To tackle these issues, the region must adopt new economic models beyond extractive industries, such as the restorative economy, which restores ecosystems to support local economies.

Environmental degradation from extractive practices has severe global impacts, with 87% of wetlands lost since the Industrial Revolution, harming biodiversity, water resources, and flood prevention. Land degradation affects 3.2 billion people and costs the global economy $9.4 trillion annually.