By Christine Fabro
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized on Monday, March 6 the role corporations play in boosting the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers.
In a ceremonial signing between the government and private sector on the implementation of Kapatid Angat Lahat for Agriculture Program (KALAP), Marcos said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) will enable MSMEs and farmers to become “productive, profitable, sustainable, and globally competitive.”
“We know very well how MSMEs are crucial in the creation of new ideas… of jobs and wealth in the country, so it is only right that we recognize the power and the influence that this sector holds,” he added.
Marcos also expressed optimism in improving the economy, as well as the living conditions of people across all sectors, stressing that the public and private sectors work hand in hand.
“I have always said that in the difficulties that we are facing ahead, there is no sector of society that can manage the recovery by itself,” he continued.
“[It] cannot be done unless the different sectors of society are working together, working together and trying to implement a plan with a common understanding of what is needed to be done, with a common understanding of what people need, without forgetting every part of that sector or that area of the economy,” he added.
The President also underscored the importance of the program for local farmers.
“It is about a decent living for our farmers, so that our farmers can live by virtue of their hard work, that they can – besides just surviving, that they can hold out hope within themselves that soon one day we can do more,” he added.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural resources, Department of Trade and Industry with heads of Go Negosyo, the National Tobacco Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, National Irrigation Administration and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples also took part in the ceremonial signing of MOA. – gb
