Marcos, Concepcion, tackle government support for MSMEs

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion has emphasized the need to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow under the next administration to boost the country’s chances of achieving economic prosperity.

During a recent meeting with president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Concepcion was asked for suggestions on the needs of the MSMEs as the country recovers from the pandemic.

“Our MSMEs need access to money, market and mentorship opportunities,” Concepcion said, outlining elements of programs being implemented by non-profit Go Negosyo to support the sector.

He said money or financial assistance is especially crucial as the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which is pushing up prices of goods, continues to pose challenges to the country’s entrepreneurs.

“We have to help our micro and small entrepreneurs be more competitive, more sustainable, not leave them to be just what we call survival entrepreneurs,” he said in an interview Wednesday with “The Chiefs” on One News.

He said large corporations can support MSMEs by including them in their value chain, and enabling them to move up the ladder to help drive economic growth.

MSMEs make up 99.5 percent of all business establishments in the country, and generate 62.6 percent of jobs.

Aside from support for MSMEs, Concepcion also brought up the idea of starting a plan to move on from a state of health emergency.

“I suggested to the president-elect that we should eventually have to plan how we can move out of a pandemic mindset to ensure our country’s economic growth,” he said.

He also reiterated to the incoming president his call to lift the public health emergency status and the eventual removal of alert levels, while continuing the rollout of vaccines.

In addition, he suggested the grant of Certificate of Product Registration for COVID-19 vaccines in order for these to become commercially available to citizens wishing to purchase them.

He said the rising prices of fuel, food and other products amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict are the biggest threat to growth.

“There is no way [to deal with it] but we just have to brace ourselves and the impact will be felt in the coming months and that is going to be really a problem for many,” he said.

He said manufacturers, however, are trying their best to lessen the burden on consumers.

He described the meeting with Marcos as “meaningful and promising,” as the incoming president was open to suggestions.

“It was a productive discussion between two people who have heard of each other but never had the chance to meet in person. President Marcos was very sincere and I can feel his passion to make sure Filipinos will have a better life under his administration,” Concepcion said.

“We both agree that MSMEs should be supported if we are to realize inclusive growth for the Philippines,” he said.

Concepcion vowed to bring together the private sector and work with incoming trade secretary Alfredo Pascual to ensure continuity of programs.

“I am confident that under the Marcos presidency, and with united efforts from the private sector, we have a chance at realizing inclusive growth and prosperity for all,” Concepcion said.