A Defining Moment for Mindanao’s Marketing Future

The Mindanao Youth Marketing Summit (MYMarkS) 2026: Excellence Lives Here brought together the country’s brightest marketing minds and future business leaders on April 14–15, 2026 at the Limketkai Atrium Center in Cagayan de Oro City. 

Organized by Brandev Insights and Consulting and the Xavier University Junior Marketing Association (XU-JMA), the summit has grown into the largest marketing-focused youth conference in Mindanao, reinforcing the message that excellence can be built locally. 

This year’s theme, “Excellence Lives Here,” challenged the notion that success must be pursued outside the region—highlighting instead the power of homegrown talent, innovation, and collaboration. 

BENTAMO: Driving Digital Innovation as Sponsor & Tech Partner

One of the standout contributors to MYMarkS 2026 was BENTAMO, a rising platform focused on empowering Filipino MSMEs through technology. 

As one of the official sponsors, BENTAMO played a dual role:

  • Supporting the event’s mission to uplift Mindanaoan talent
  • Developing the official MYMARKS website, enhancing the digital experience for delegates, speakers, and organizers

Through its involvement, BENTAMO demonstrated how digital infrastructure and innovation can elevate large-scale events—bridging offline engagement with seamless online access.

Its presence at MYMarkS aligns with its broader vision: enabling businesses and communities through scalable, tech-driven solutions, particularly for emerging markets in the Philippines.

Star-Studded Speaker Lineup

MYMarkS 2026 featured some of the most influential leaders in Philippine marketing, business, and entrepreneurship.

Day 1 Highlights

  • Fredy Ong (CEO, Unilever Philippines) – Purpose-Driven Brands
  • Donald Lim (President & COO, DITO CME) – AI for Winning Brands
  • Jake Yrastorza & Badong Abesamis (GIGIL) – Creative Excellence
  • Elpidio Paras – Entrepreneurial Excellence 

Day 2 Highlights

  • Agnes Adviento (Nestlé Philippines) – Global Brand Journey
  • Josiah Go – Enduring Marketing Principles
  • Panel: Excellence Built Here featuring Mindanao-based business leaders 

The sessions covered a wide range of topics—from branding and AI to entrepreneurship and regional growth—giving students real-world insights into modern marketing.

More Than a Conference: A Platform for Growth

MYMarkS is not just a summit—it is a capability-building movement.

Key components of the 2026 event included:

  • Keynote sessions and panel discussions
  • Hands-on marketing competition with real-world challenges
  • Networking with top brands and industry leaders 

Since its launch in 2024, the event has expanded rapidly:

  • 2024: 558 students, 6 speakers
  • 2025: 780 students, 12 speakers
  • 2026: Even বৃহgger participation and national-level brand support 

Strong Brand Ecosystem and Industry Support

MYMarkS 2026 was backed by major brands including:

  • Unilever
  • Jollibee
  • Nestlé
  • Coca-Cola
  • URC
  • San Miguel Foods
  • Del Monte 

Within this ecosystem, BENTAMO stood out as a technology-driven enabler, complementing traditional brand sponsorship with digital innovation and platform development.

Why BENTAMO’s Role Matters

BENTAMO’s involvement signals a shift in how events—and businesses—operate today:

  • From sponsorship to solution-building
  • From offline engagement to digital ecosystems
  • From local events to scalable platforms

By building the MYMARKS website and supporting the summit, BENTAMO showcased how Filipino tech solutions can power national-scale initiatives.

The Bigger Picture: Excellence Built in Mindanao

MYMarkS 2026 reinforced a powerful idea:

The future of marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Philippines can be built right here in Mindanao.

With organizations like BENTAMO stepping in—not just as sponsors but as technology partners—the region is steadily becoming a hub for digital transformation, youth empowerment, and business innovation.

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