CEBU CITY — Small business owners in Talisay City are being urged to prepare for calamities by securing insurance, protecting equipment and supplies, planning for power interruptions, and ensuring the safety of employees as local enterprises face risks from typhoons and flooding, especially the forecasted ‘very strong’ El Niño.
During the third and final day of the 2nd City of Talisay Business Summit and Trade Expo 2026, entrepreneurs shared practical lessons from preparing for severe weather, underscoring the need to protect business operations and workers alongside efforts to grow their enterprises.
Tin Kwan, owner of 88 Garden Cafe, said she checked her insurance coverage and assessed the risks posed by her establishment’s proximity to a river before a typhoon threatened the area.
With the cafe located about 600 meters from the river, she bought sandbags to help prevent floodwaters from entering the property.
Kwan also ensured that the business had enough diesel for its generator to keep essential operations running and reduce the risk of losing perishable goods during power outages.
Beyond protecting her establishment, she provided employees with drinking water and groceries before the typhoon. She also discussed contingency arrangements with her staff, including how they would communicate if mobile signals failed and where they could seek shelter.
Kwan recalled that during typhoon Tino in 2025, their cafe subsequently opened its outdoor area to neighbors who needed a place of refuge, highlighting how businesses can support their communities during emergencies while maintaining safety precautions.
Kwan’s experience emphasized that disaster preparedness should account not only for property and inventory but also for the welfare of employees and the people around the business.
Bobby Adan, owner of Prutasan ni Adan, likewise highlighted the importance of preparing business facilities and ensuring access to backup power and storage.
He and Kwan both emphasized the need to assess a business’s specific circumstances when deciding on appropriate preparations.
Business continuity planning
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu Province Director Marivic Aguilar said disaster preparedness is one of the factors that help distinguish businesses capable of sustaining growth from those focused mainly on day-to-day survival.
Aguilar said the DTI, in partnership with the University of San Carlos, has piloted a business continuity planning initiative involving four micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including two based in Talisay City.
Under the initiative, participating enterprises received assistance in developing business continuity plans through workshops and coaching from university faculty members.
The plans are being drafted, with the program aiming for businesses to adopt them as part of their company policies.
Aguilar said the initiative could be replicated, while additional seminars and training activities could be considered in future government programs.
She encouraged business chambers and other stakeholders to actively coordinate with government agencies to help shape programs that address MSMEs’ needs.
Aside from disaster preparedness, Aguilar identified three important foundations for sustainable business growth: regulatory compliance, a willingness to learn and improve, and preparation for unforeseen events.
She advised entrepreneurs who intend to establish long-term businesses to secure the necessary registrations and permits, seek mentorship and continuously develop their management skills.
Expanding with a clear plan
The panel also discussed the importance of evaluating market demand and financial capacity before expanding a business.
Adan, whose business has three branches, said entrepreneurs should examine their capital, determine whether their brand fits the target market and assess whether their teams can execute expansion plans effectively.
Kwan, who has also expanded 88 Garden Cafe to three branches, said demand and the ability to reinvest were key considerations in her decisions. She said her first Talisay branch, which opened in 2024, responded to demand for a cafe offering both food and coffee, as well as function rooms for meetings.
She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, to overcome their fear of starting a business while carefully evaluating their resources, market opportunities and personal commitment.
The 2nd City of Talisay Business Summit and Trade Expo 2026 is presented by the Talisay City local government unit, Talisay Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Inc. (TCCI), Department of Trade and Industry, and Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
The summit is made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsors BYD Cebu and DITO, Silver Sponsors Bat Man Batteries, Garnet Driving School, Gothong Southern, and Bronze Sponsors ODC PH, Geo Transport, Bethel Insurance, RCBC and Security Bank.
