Inside ZAMPEX 2024: MSMEs Embrace AI and Celebrate Local Culture
Amrei Dizon with the Yakan Weavers Cooperative at the Zamboanga Peninsula Expo (Zampex) 2024
ZAMPEX 2024 in Zamboanga City was a showcase of potential, vision, and resilience. With the theme Digitalize, Diversify, Dominate, the event brought together the rich cultural heritage of the region with the digital strategies essential for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in today’s competitive market. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the guidance of Provincial Director Grace Aduca and her dedicated team, ZAMPEX was not only a celebration of local enterprise but also a glimpse into the promising future of MSMEs in the Philippines. The timing with Zamboanga’s Hermosa Festival added to the spirit of community and pride, making it an inspiring gathering of local business talent.
When Tradition Becomes Opportunity for MSMEs
As I moved through the expo, I was struck by the deep sense of pride and resilience among MSMEs and organizers alike, representing Zamboanga’s seven tribes: the Chavacano, Subanen, Sama, Yakan, Tausug, Badjao, and Kalibugan. Each stall told a story—from the Yakan weavers known for their intricate textiles, to the Tausug culinary specialists, and Sama and Badjao artisans, all preserving their traditions while innovating within their crafts. The Subanen and Kalibugan stalls further reflected the region’s diverse identities.
Many of the Yakan weavers had clients, yet their products often found their way to the hands of resellers who doubled the price. With the right branding and marketing strategies, these skilled artisans could differentiate themselves, bringing their beautiful textiles directly to a wider market and preserving the distinctiveness of their heritage.
Exploring Zamboanga’s Flavors and Tausug’s Culinary Heart
The culinary experience at ZAMPEX was unforgettable. Zamboanga’s local flavors offer a glimpse into Tausug culture, and I found myself bringing home ingredients to recreate some of these iconic dishes. Among the highlights were Tiula Itum, a rich black beef soup uniquely spiced with burnt coconut, and Piyanggang Manok, chicken marinated in turmeric and other spices before being grilled and simmered in coconut milk. Each dish has its own story and regional significance, and the flavors are bold and unique, a blend of spices that lingers on the palate. Alongside these dishes, I also brought back an assortment of unique snacks—little bites of Zamboanga’s culinary diversity that I couldn’t resist.
One story that resonated with me was that of a young culinary graduate who, after studying in Manila, returned to his hometown to preserve his grandmother’s Tausug recipes, reflecting a commitment to cultural preservation shared across Zamboanga’s seven tribes. He’s now innovating ways to make these recipes more accessible through ready-to-cook spices and packaged snacks, hoping to share the unique Tausug flavors with a broader audience. The pride he had in his Tausug heritage, along with his dedication to making local cuisine more accessible, highlighted the potential of MSMEs to bridge cultural divides. Each of Zamboanga’s seven tribes brings distinct flavors and cooking techniques that, together, form a rich culinary experience worth sharing with a national audience. Zamboanga’s food culture is a rich, nuanced part of Filipino identity, and yet, it’s largely absent in Manila and other regions. There’s a massive opportunity to share these flavors, and each dish has the potential to spark greater cultural understanding.
How AI Could Change Customer Experience for MSMEs
One of the most exciting parts of ZAMPEX for me was leading a session on Improved Customer Engagement and Experience through AI. My goal was to make AI approachable, showing MSMEs that these tools can enhance their customer interactions, streamline processes, and ultimately help them stand out in a competitive market. However, AI can often feel intimidating, especially when sessions are packed with jargon and technical complexity. I approached the session with simplicity and practicality, encouraging attendees to experiment and see the tools as accessible, creative companions rather than mysterious technologies.
Here are some of the generative AI tools I demonstrated that resonated with the audience, along with additional ways AI can enhance customer experience:
Content Generation for Marketing - I showed how generative AI can create brand names, logos, and content ideas that capture the essence of each MSME’s story and products. For entrepreneurs who often struggle with what to post or how to describe their offerings, these tools offer a steady flow of engaging content tailored to their unique brand identity.
Automated Content for Social Media and Messaging - Through generative AI, MSMEs can quickly create eye-catching product descriptions, social media posts, and even jingles, giving them an easy way to share their message consistently across platforms. This saves time and energy, allowing business owners to maintain a strong online presence with minimal resources.
While generative AI tools are a great starting point, I also shared insights on how other types of AI could further enhance their customer experience:
Automation for Customer Support - Simple chatbots can handle routine customer inquiries, giving MSMEs the ability to respond promptly to common questions. This keeps customers engaged and lets business owners focus on higher-value activities without sacrificing customer interaction.
Personalization and Insights - MSMEs can harness AI-driven insights to tailor recommendations and understand customer preferences, making each interaction feel more personal. Although these tools weren’t demoed, they offer a glimpse of how AI can make even the smallest business feel highly customer-centric.
The tools we explored made AI feel accessible and achievable for these MSMEs, empowering them to reimagine how they connect with customers and tell their brand stories.
Initially, the DTI team and other organizers found AI a bit daunting. Many AI sessions tend to be filled with technical terms, making the technology feel exclusive and out of reach. But as I showed how easy and accessible these tools are, the mood shifted from apprehension to excitement. They were amazed by the possibilities—whether it was creating a catchy jingle within minutes, designing a logo, or generating content ideas on the spot. For these MSMEs, AI offered a way to compete more effectively, to be more creative, and to engage their customers in meaningful ways.
The Roadblocks MSMEs Face in Going Digital
In my conversations with MSME owners, certain challenges became clear. Many shared stories of poor internet connectivity, a common issue that hinders their digital journey from the start. Others had social media channels but were unsure how to use them effectively, lacking both content ideas and knowledge of content marketing. Competition is tough, and reaching customers, capturing their attention, and turning them into repeat buyers is an ongoing struggle. Without the right digital skills, MSMEs often feel limited in how far they can grow.
But with AI, even these obstacles seemed less daunting. Seeing AI tools in action, many MSMEs felt empowered to take control of their digital presence. Simple, affordable tools that allow them to streamline processes, save time, and improve customer engagement can be transformative. By learning to create content and automate responses, they can finally start to build a digital presence that reflects their unique identity and value.
Reimagining the Future of MSMEs with Fresh Support
The experience at ZAMPEX has strengthened Introspeck’s commitment to inclusivity. We’re here to bridge gaps and make tools, strategies, and business insights accessible to smaller businesses—businesses that are the backbone of the economy. Supporting MSMEs isn’t just about helping individual enterprises; it’s about lifting entire communities and driving national progress. Each MSME has a story worth telling, and by equipping them with digital tools, we’re helping these stories reach audiences far beyond their immediate surroundings.
ZAMPEX 2024 was a powerful reminder that the future of MSMEs in the Philippines hinges on both preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern tools. With the right support, MSMEs in Zamboanga and beyond can achieve the visibility they need to thrive in a connected world.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Regional Director Al Zamir I. Lipae and Assistant Regional Director Maridel Dengal for their leadership in bringing ZAMPEX to life. Special thanks also go to Provincial Directors Grace Aduca, Estrella Roda, Rovelyn Manzanares, and Marlon Alabata for their invaluable support in making this event a success. We thank Ms. Angelie J. Amazon and her dedicated team at the CTIDS, Business Development Division, for their warm hospitality and attention to detail, ensuring our experience was seamless and unforgettable.
How Every Filipino Can Help MSMEs Thrive
The journey doesn’t end here. MSMEs in the Philippines are brimming with potential, but they need more than encouragement; they need actionable support. As consumers, we can choose to support local products, champion unique Filipino craftsmanship, and spread the word about our rich regional cuisines. For business owners and leaders, consider how you might lend your expertise or resources to uplift MSMEs in your network, helping them navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
Imagine a future where the distinct cuisines of Tausug and Subanen are celebrated nationwide, where Yakan and Badjao artistry are honored, and where each of Zamboanga’s seven tribes can share their unique stories through thriving MSMEs. Every Filipino has a role in this journey. By supporting MSMEs, we invest in the rich cultural diversity and enduring resilience that define our nation. Let’s commit to supporting these enterprises as they digitalize, diversify, and dominate—building an economy that celebrates the diverse heritage and unique contributions of Filipino identity.