AT least 37 of the country’s biggest business organizations on Friday pledged to help the government attain inclusive growth for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
During a conference simultaneous with MSME Summit 2022 at the Manila Hotel, the Kapatid Angat Lahat Program, led by Go Negosyo of Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion 3rd, vowed to help attain “the overall goal of shared prosperity” by working to “harness public-private partnership to help MSME development.”
Go Negosyo of Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion 3rd. PHOTO BY JOHN RYAN BALDEMOR
The partnership will establish linkages, pool business opportunities and support government policies and programs to create a sustainable business environment for MSMEs.
“We commit ourselves to the development of programs anchored on the 3Ms — Mentorship, Money, and Market — to realize for our country and the Filipino people the goal of achieving prosperity for all,” the group’s statement read.
Aside from Concepcion, the other signatories of the covenant included George Barcelon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Henry Lim Bon Liong of the Federation of Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Rosemarie Ong of the Philippine Retailers Association, Rogelio Singson of the Management Association of the Philippines, Eric Teng of the RestoPH, Lars Wittig of the European Chamber of Commerce, Chris Nelson of the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and Jack Madrid of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines.
The Kapatid Angat Lahat Program, a brainchild of Concepcion, aims to provide entrepreneurs access to business opportunities, information, and the connections needed to successfully launch and operate MSMEs.
It also seeks to give guidance on acquiring legal business registration and operational requirements, formalizing informal businesses, financial capital support options, micro-loans, more robust market access, and business mentorship from ideation to sustainability.
“We have to do this, for every Filipino. … I know, with all of our efforts, we can make a big difference,” Concepcion said.
At the MSME Summit, 10 micro, small and medium enterprises whose success stories are proof that it is not only big businesses that can thrive and survive especially in the post-pandemic era were given recognition.
They are:
– Gary Avila Ayuste, CEO and owner of Beengo Farm
– Cherrylin Casuga, president of the Casuga Integrated School
– Shawnie Dhale Bitso, owner of the San-Agi Agri Tourism Farm
– Ma. Concepcion Macalintal, founder and CEO of Diwatang Maria Corp.
– Jerry Urriquia, owner of Harito Food Products
– Irene Villaespin, founder and CEO of the Three Women OPC (The Eco Shift)
– Eika Pereña, owner of COP Pili Sweets and Pastries
– Monaliza Martinez, owner of Flynntastic Airdry Clay Products
– Teofanie Tutanes, owner of PMTZ Care Marketing
– Rona Denque, owner of the Green Thumb Farm
Concepcion hopes the 10 awardees will inspire other entrepreneurs.
“The circle of success is what we have to do. When you help people and make them successful, these people will also help others. If we continue that circle of success, we will achieve an inclusive Philippines,” he said.
President Marcos said he is confident Concepcion’s Kapatid Angat Lahat Program will be a success because “it comes from the right place.”
“From this end, it is my assurance we will continue to stand by your side, walk down the same road no matter the circumstances. I am excited to see the outcome of the summit as it will open new doors, new strategies, and new ideas and opportunities for our MSMEs to realize their full potential as our nation’s vehicles for growth and for development,” the President said.