MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday thanked the country’s entrepreneurs for their great contribution to the booming economy, and vowed full support to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In his speech during the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Duterte said he would try to double the budget being allotted for SMEs development.
“You just pray for continued…we’re improving our economy. We have poured so many millions in the development of SMEs. I will try to make it double or triple next year,” Duterte said to the delight of over 1,000 entrepreneurs, mostly women.
Duterte said his administration aims to make the country’s SMEs globally competitive, productive, resilient, sustainable and dynamic before 2022.
“To all women entrepreneurs, I’m grateful to you for being vital drivers of economic growth and I assure of government support to promote SMEs development and our untiring commitment to provide conducive business environment,” he said.
Recently, the US News and World Report released a survey showing the Philippines as the top country among the “Best Countries to Invest In” for 2018.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has attributed the Philippines’ achievement to strong and popular leadership of Duterte “who has exhibited political will to uplift the life of our countrymen.”
During the summit, Duterte reiterated his will to eradicate illegal drugs, crimes and corruption while pushing for relentless drive to achieve peace and boost economic development.
Women entrepreneurs
The President urged the audience during the event to continue to empower women as active contributors to the development of SMEs which accounts for more than 60 percent of jobs in the country.
He said his administration’s massive investment in its infrastructure project dubbed “Build, Build, Build” would further boost the SMEs development.
“May we work as one in building a progressive and prosperous society where everyone can have a decent and comfortable life,” the President said.
Duterte also thanked the organizers of the Go Negosyo led by its founding Trustee Jose Ma. Concepcion for providing opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
“This occasion recognizes the capacity of the Filipino entrepreneurs to be agents of change,” he said.
Duterte and Concepcion, alongside Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, led the giving of awards to inspiring Filipina entrepreneurs of 2018 Go Negosyo Summit.
“I congratulate the awardees and I encourage you to serve as inspiration to everyone specially women,” the President said.
The Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit is an annual event centered on reinforcing the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino people, particularly women. (PNA)
