FAST Logistics Holds MSME Logistics Forum & Solutions Roadshow Bacolod to Support Negros Occidental Entrepreneurs

FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading integrated end-to-end logistics provider, showcased its solutions designed to help entrepreneurs in Bacolod and nearby municipalities in Negros Occidental expand their market reach.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Occidental and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FAST hosted the MSME Logistics Forum & FAST Solutions Roadshow Bacolod held on Wednesday, May 13, at L’Fisher Hotel. The forum gathered local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss how integrated logistics and supply chain solutions can help businesses expand market reach, improve operational efficiency, and build stronger, more resilient supply chains.

The event drew strong engagement from participants, who actively took part in the discussions and expressed appreciation for FAST’s solutions. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) welcomed the opportunity to better understand how reliable logistics support can help address common business challenges, particularly high transport costs, limited delivery options, and the need for wider market access.

DTI Negros Occidental Provincial Director Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal and Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Atty. Juliana Carbon also expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the role of dependable logistics and stronger private-public collaboration in helping MSMEs become more competitive.

FAST emphasized that world-class logistics support should not be limited to large corporations. Through its partnership with DTI, local government partners, and business organizations, FAST aims to make practical and scalable logistics solutions more accessible to homegrown brands and regional entrepreneurs.

World-Class Logistics for Wider Market Reach

The discussion was led by FAST VP for Strategic Growth Initiatives Gladys Ceniza and FAST Business Unit Head for Transport Operations Oli Encabo, who shared insights on the logistics challenges faced by MSMEs and presented solutions designed to support business growth across Negros Occidental and beyond.

“FAST has been in the logistics business for over 50 years. We provide end-to-end, multimodal transport solutions via land, RoRo, air, and sea, as well as warehousing, crossdocking, ColdChain, and value-added services. Our expertise lies in moving fast-moving consumer goods or FMCG of the biggest local and multinational brands,” Oli said.

“But we are here today because of our belief: that world-class logistics solutions should not be exclusive to FMCG. It should be available and accessible for homegrown brands so they can grow and reach their full potential,” he added.

During the forum, FAST shared findings from an internal survey conducted among interested participants. The survey showed that 80 percent of respondents identified price as the main logistics issue affecting their business, while 53 percent cited limited pickup or delivery schedules as a key challenge.

The same survey showed that 97 percent of respondents consider reliability and accessibility as the top factor when choosing a logistics partner, followed by price at 90 percent. Other key considerations included pickup or delivery schedules at 73 percent, customer service at 64 percent, and network or reach at 47 percent.

In response to these concerns, FAST presented its comprehensive warehousing and transport solutions, including multimodal transport capabilities, nationwide delivery reach, hub-to-hub and door-to-door delivery options, and fixed delivery schedules to support more reliable pickup and drop-off arrangements.

Cost-Efficient Transport Solutions 

FAST also highlighted co-loading as a cost-efficient transport solution for MSMEs that may not be able to fill an entire truck. Through co-loading, businesses can share truck space when transporting goods to key destinations such as Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo, helping reduce costs while still gaining access to FAST’s reliable logistics network.

For MSMEs delivering to modern trade and retail outlets, FAST also presented co-loading as a practical option to help entrepreneurs move products more efficiently while meeting delivery requirements. With a co-loading arrangement, businesses only pay per occupied space instead of full truckload rates for significant cost savings. 

Oli highlighted that FAST operates the Philippines’ widest transport fleet, with over 3,100 units of all truck types, about 1,000 trucking partners, 14 shipping line partners, and two major airline carriers. This network enables FAST to serve businesses of all sizes, from major corporations to growing MSMEs.

Forward Stock Solution for Greater Resiliency 

Beyond transport, FAST also showcased its forward stock solution, a strategic warehousing option presented by Gladys for businesses that want to ship in bulk and pre-position inventory in key locations for faster order fulfillment.

Forward stock is especially beneficial for MSMEs with products that have a long shelf life but uncertain demand. It also helps businesses mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by typhoons, port congestion, and other operational challenges.

Through forward stock, companies can access flexible per-pallet, per-day storage arrangements that allow them to scale based on business needs. The solution caters to both dry warehousing requirements and cold storage for perishables.

FAST also operates a cross-docking facility along Magsaysay Avenue in Bacolod, further strengthening its logistics infrastructure in the region and supporting the distribution needs of local businesses in Negros Occidental.

Supporting MSMEs During Trade Fairs

FAST also presented its end-to-end trade fair support, a comprehensive solution that manages everything from product pickup, transport, permits, and delivery to the trade fair venue. This service is designed to manage logistics requirements for entrepreneurs joining trade fairs, including product pickup, transport, permits, and delivery to the event venue.

With this solution, MSMEs can focus on engaging buyers, presenting their products, and maximizing trade opportunities while FAST handles the logistics. Products are picked up and delivered to the trade fair venue, allowing business owners to arrive on their scheduled ingress date with their products ready for display.

FAST said the strong engagement during the Bacolod forum reflects the growing need among MSMEs for logistics partners that understand their challenges and can provide solutions that are reliable, cost-efficient, and scalable.

As a trusted logistics solutions provider, FAST continues to collaborate with DTI, its regional offices, local government units, and business groups to design and deliver logistics solutions aligned with the needs of MSMEs and regional business communities.

The MSME Logistics Forum & FAST Solutions Roadshow Bacolod forms part of FAST’s broader initiative to strengthen its local presence in the Visayas and support regional enterprises through integrated logistics solutions.

Previously, FAST partnered with DTI Provincial Offices, local government units, and business groups in Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, the Bicol Region, Guimaras, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro to help strengthen local supply chains and widen market access for regional products. Connect with our Solutions Experts to learn more about how logistics solutions can support their growth.