President Rodrigo Duterte (right) and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (File photo)
MANILA – The Duterte administration has accelerated its support for the development and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
At the opening of the National MSME Week 2021, Lopez recalled that when he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to be the DTI chief, the Chief Executive said MSME “is first in his list” of priorities.
“This is not surprising because even at the start of this term, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has always valued the efforts of our Filipino entrepreneurs,” Lopez said, adding that during Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address, the President described MSMEs as vital for economic activity, job creation, and poverty reduction.
He added that despite the challenges faced by MSMEs in the past five years, including the Marawi siege and the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, these did not hinder the agency to deliver its services for the sector.
Lopez said his office has distributed 107,011 livelihood kits -- 57,000 beneficiaries nationwide and 50,011 for displaced persons in Marawi -- through its Livelihood Seeding Program.
Some 996 Negosyo Centers have also been established since 2016, bringing a total of 1,212 Negosyo Centers nationwide.
Lopez added these Negosyo Centers have provided business assistance to 4.3 million clients, 2.1 million of which are MSMEs.
Lopez also lauded former DTI chief Gregory Domingo for establishing the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, which provided equipment, tools, and knowledge to MSMEs that helped them become more competitive.
To date, there are 2,894 SSFs in the country, with 886 SSFs launched during the Duterte administration.
The government has also instituted 29 fabrication laboratories, Lopez added.
The DTI chief said the SSF program has benefited over 200,000 MSMEs and created more than 190,000 direct jobs.
To provide entrepreneurial skills among Filipinos, DTI has partnered with the private sector for the Kapatid Mentor ME Program.
Lopez said over 9,000 mentees have graduated from the program.
Aside from the Kapatid Mentor ME, DTI’s Philippine Trade Training Center has trained 500,000 Filipinos entrepreneurs here and abroad.
During the pandemic, Lopez said his office has accelerated its efforts to help MSMEs go onboard the digital platforms and provide them market access despite restrictions.
The government also provided a microfinancing program for MSMEs.
DTI’s Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso has released PHP8.8 billion loans to borrowers who would like to start their own businesses.
Meanwhile, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or the CREATE law has lowered corporate income tax for all businesses, including MSMEs from 30 percent to 25 percent.
The Philippine Innovation Act also now helps Filipino businesses to be part of the domestic and global value chains. (PNA)
