From L to R: Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) Director for Education Dr. Carl Balita, CFE-PFA Director for Products and Allied Services Ms. Yvette Pardo-Orbeta, PFA Director for Marketing & Promotions Ms. Alice Liu, CFE-PFA Chairman Emeritus Dr. Samie Lim, PFA Vice Chairman and Director for International Relations/Gender Inclusivity Dr. Bing Sibal-Limjoco, CFE-PFA Chairman Mr. Chris Lim, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Cristina Roque, PFA President Mr. Joseph Tanbuntiong, PFA Director for CSR & Inclusive Business and Franchise Asia Philippines 2024 Conference Chair Mr. Steve Benitez, CFE-PFA Director for Membership Ms. Sherill Quintana, PFA Regional Director for South Luzon Mr. Marco Antonio Soliman, CFE-PFA Director for Homegrown Franchises Mr. Joey Alvero, CFE-PFA Director for Digitalization and Franchise Asia Philippines 2024 Overall Chair Mr. Joey Garcia

Pasay City, Philippines—On September 02, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque lauded the achievements of leading franchisors and franchisees as catalysts for economic growth and job creation, during the 2024 Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA).

Secretary Roque also outlined the Department’s key initiatives to further strengthen and expand the franchising sector in the Philippines.  

“Franchising offers a proven, lower-risk pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs,” she said. “By providing established business models, brand recognition, and ongoing support, we see franchising as a key pillar of our MSME development strategy.” said the trade chief.

The DTI chief also emphasized franchising’s potential to provide sustainable jobs and utilize the PHP 40 billion in remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). “Franchising empowers OFWs to build businesses with proven success rates, fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth in their home communities,” she added.

To support this, the DTI through its Small Business Corporation will provide necessary financial support to aspiring franchisees interested in joining the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

This program provides start-up businesses loans ranging from PHP 200 million to PHP 500 million with zero percent interest and no principal payments required for the first six months. During the following six months, only interest payments are required, with an option for an additional year of interest-free extension if needed.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque during her keynote speech at the 2024 Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA) Night

Building on these efforts, Secretary Roque highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships and enabling policies in cultivating a thriving and inclusive franchising environment under Bagong Pilipinas.

In closing, Secretary Roque congratulated the awardees and recognized their dedication and innovation in the franchising sector as an inspiration to the Filipino business community.

The 2024 FEA is a joint effort by the PFA, the DTI, and other key organizations to honor franchisors and franchisees, who have made significant contribution to economic development through job creation and enterprise growth. Awards were given in categories, including Most Promising Filipino Franchise, International Master Franchise, Outstanding Filipino Franchise, and Sustainability Award. ♦

Date of release: 15 September 2024

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