TARLAC CITY — There is a need to prioritize and strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.
“Our challenge as a council is to address these problems and decrease the mortality rate of MSMEs in Tarlac,” according to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tarlac President and Tarlac SME Development Council (SMEDC) Chairperson Alvin Belarmino during the recent Tarlac SMEDC Assessment/Planning and Benchmarking in Iloilo City and Guimaras.
With a total of 900,914 registered establishments wherein 99.54% are MSMEs, Belarmino said the access to finance and non-ideal business climate in the province are just some of the problems that they face.
Belarmino shared the 7Ms Way of Uplifting MSMEs to efficiently and effectively address the MSMEs’ issues and requirements.
“First, the Mindset Change through the Negosyo Center seminars, SME Roving Academy and the Kapatid Mentor Me Program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),” he noted.
Also, teach them the mastery of the business plan, product development and basic rules of market opportunities among others through experience coaching and mentoring of industry experts in partnership with private sector members; provide access to funding.
“To ensure the quality production, we must equip them with the must-have knowledge on equipment and right tools through the Shared Service Facilities. Additionally, let us promote their products and help them in business name application registration, permits and other requirements,” Belarmino cited.
“Let us make this effective not just for compliance of our mandate but to help and develop the business sector here,” Belarmino noted.
The SMED Council is responsible for the promotion, growth, and development of SME’s in the country.
Attached to DTI, it facilitates and coordinates national efforts in SME development. –Trixie Joy B. Manalili