CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) office in Calabarzon hosted a special meeting of the Regional MSME Development Council here Thursday in an effort to promote, support, and strengthen the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“MSMEs are the engine of economic growth. That is why before going up, they should already be capacitated for them to be globally competitive, resilient, sustainable, and innovative,” said DTI Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development director, Jerry T. Clavesillas.
Clavesillas tackled the MSME Development Plan 2017-2022 Framework with business environment, business capacity, and business opportunities as focus areas. The plan serves as the scheme for the convergence of initiatives adopted and implemented by different stakeholders towards the growth and development of the country’s MSME sector.
“The strategic goals are improved business climate, improved access to finance, enhanced management and labor capacities, improved access to technology and innovation, and improved access to market,” added Clavesillas.
The meeting also discussed the framework that tackled global issues and provided cross-cutting strategies, such as expanding MSME assistance centers; promoting women and youth entrepreneurship; strengthening the role of local government units (LGUs); maximizing opportunities in the digital and Internet economy; and promoting green growth.
The MSME conferees also discussed the Resolution to Adapt MSMED Council Resolution No. 04 Series of 2016, “Approving the Organization and Institutionalization of the Regional MSMED Councils”.
The Regional Council is chaired by the DTI regional director and co-chaired by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Through the Regional MSME Development Council, we aim to coordinate and work closely with different agencies and sectors to address the needs of our MSMEs and to help bring them into the economic mainstream,” said DTI Calabarzon regional director Marilou Q. Toledo.
Mia Angeline V. Cortez, DTI public information officer, said the meeting also tackled the Resolution to Adapt MSMED Council Resolution No. 04 Series of 2017 on ”Approving the Revised Terms of Reference of the Provincial MSMED Council in line with the Republic Act 10644: Go Negosyo Act”, where the provincial council chair is the president of any active MSME organization in the province and co-chaired by the provincial government representative.
She said the attendees also discussed the election of the council officers and identification of possible officers and members; and the schedule for the submission of the 2017-2022 Provincial MSME Development Plan.
Joining the meeting were representatives of DTI-BSMED, the provincial agriculture office, Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood, and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Development Bank of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the National Economic Development Authority’s regional office, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and SB Corp. (PNA)
