Caravan provides support services to MSMEs

CEBU, Philippines — A financial caravan aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain better access to financing and business support services was held as part of the activities leading up to Lapu-Lapu City’s 65th Charter Day celebration today.

The Financial Caravan: Negosyo Restart and Financing Initiative brought together government agencies, banks, lending institutions, and business organizations to provide entrepreneurs with information on financing opportunities, financial literacy, and business development services.

The caravan was held yesterday, June 16, at the Mahi Center in Barangay Ibo.

The city government said the activity was designed to help MSMEs improve their financial capability and connect them with institutions that offer loans and other business support programs.

Mayor Cindi King Chan, in a message during the event, recognized the contribution of local entrepreneurs to the city’s economy, noting that small businesses generate employment and livelihood opportunities for residents.

"Nagmalamboon ang atong siyudad tungod sa kakugi ug paningkamot sa atong mga negosyante. Pinaagi sa ilang mga tindahan, serbisyo, ug gagmayng negosyo, nakahatag sila og trabaho ug panginabuhian sa daghang Oponganon. Kung molambo ang atong mga gagmayng negosyo, mas molig-on usab ang kahimtang sa matag panimalay ug sa atong komunidad," Chan said.

The caravan featured financial literacy discussions, business diagnostics, mentoring sessions, financial readiness assessments, and loan application facilitation.

Participants were also given the opportunity to consult directly with banks, lending firms, and government agencies regarding financing requirements and available programs.

Representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission, Social Security System, and other partner institutions also provided assistance through information and service desks.

Among the participating financial institutions were the Small Business Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, BDO Unibank, Philippine National Bank, EastWest Bank, CTBC Bank, RCBC, Cebuana Lhuillier, First Circle, Maya Business, and GCash.

The activity was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-7 in partnership with the Lapu-Lapu City Government through the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office and the Lapu-Lapu City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. — (FREEMAN)