Commending the persistent efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) to sustain the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the countryside, Secretary Ramon Lopez stressed in his reports the 50-percent increase in MSMEs assisted in 2018 rendering more than 900,000 services per year through ROG’s programs and initiatives, during the DTI Press Conference at Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City last January 11.
Guided by the 7Ms Framework of a Successful Entrepreneur – Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Markets, Money, Machines, and Models – are equipped holistically as they face increasingly competitive markets.
“DTI kept its eyes on the ball in pushing for the entrepreneurial revolution in the countryside. Number of registered enterprises jumped from 900,000 last year to 1.39 million this year due to comprehensive programs for MSMEs. Mas maraming na-encourage na MSME na magnegosyo at mas marami ring nag-register,” said Secretary Lopez.
Among the many achievements last year tackled by the Trade Chief is the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program’s increasing number of runs totaling to 237 batches, 601 certified mentors and 5,362 mentee graduates covering 101 provinces in the 17 Regions. While there were 15,096 Skills and Managerial/Entrepreneurship (SME) training programs conducted and participated by 345,982 existing and would-be MSMEs.
As of November 2018, DTI-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) extended various types of assistance to 1,207 agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and 153 non-ARCs. This generated total investment of P1.660 billion, total sales P3.568 billion, generating146,561 jobs. In addition, 1,783 new MSMEs were developed and 2,993 MSMEs were assisted.
Similarly, as a result of various initiatives and interventions in promoting and fostering for industry development nationwide, the eight (8) national priority industry clusters which are predominantly agri-based industries specifically, coco coir, rubber, coffee, cacao, bamboo, palm oil, processed fruits and nuts and wearables and homestyles, have contributed significant outcome in terms of bottomline indicators. A total of P2,333 million in investments and 114,547 jobs generated from these national priority industry, surpassing the annual targets by 107% in investments and 123% increase in jobs.
Moreover, increasing market access for MSMEs through Product Development, One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub and Trade Fairs, to date, 11 OTOP Hubs were established countrywide with 7,647 MSMEs assisted, 5,465 products developed and generated P833,822,663 sales. While ROG has organized a total of 459 Trade Fairs participated by 7,698 MSMEs with an over-all P770,200,899 sales generated.
Also, more permanent retail outlets for MSMEs through 102 Go Lokal stores were founded nationwide with 347 registered suppliers and P65 million sales generated.
Furthermore, providing micro entrepreneurs cheaper alternative to 5-6 lending, Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program released a total of P2.40 billion funds to 290 accredited conduits in 73 provinces reaching 65,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
Likewise, increasing the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs through provision of innovative and more efficient machinery and equipment through 2,300 Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) set up generating 147,201 of employment since its launch in 2013.
Lastly, services are reaching out to more MSMEs through 1,049 Negosyo Centers nationwide with a total of 547,950 MSMEs assisted, 821,771 clients served and 911,178 services rendered.
By continuing initiatives of uplifting the MSMEs, MSME Development Advocate Undersecretary Zenaida Cusion-Maglaya vows to surpass ROG’s 2018 accomplishments.
“The ROG will continue to support MSMEs in their entrepreneurial journey thru effective and efficient delivery of programs that will enhance their competitiveness and gear them up to be part of the global and value chain,” Maglaya said.♦