During a recent gathering in Makati City, the Department of Trade and Industry opened a forum designed to connect micro, small, and medium enterprises with government resources. The event aimed to clarify how the agency’s support programs can help entrepreneurs grow.
The Secretary highlighted that assistance for MSMEs covers the entire business cycle—from training and mentoring to financing, technology upgrades, market expansion, and export promotion. She noted that many owners remain unaware of these offerings.
“The challenge is to ensure every entrepreneur knows where to find these programs, understands how to access them, and can use them to grow,” the Secretary said, urging participants to explore the DTI MSME Hub as a central information and service platform.
The Hub provides a one‑stop venue where businesses can connect with DTI initiatives and partner agencies, bringing government services closer to local enterprises.
She also underscored the Tatak Pinoy Program as the overarching framework for the country’s MSME strategy, aiming to strengthen domestic industries, enhance competitiveness, and position small businesses at the core of long‑term economic development.
Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona opened the session, and committee chairs of the MSME Development Council emphasized collaborative efforts to advance the 2023–2028 development plan.
Thirty MSME owners and stakeholders from the National Capital Region attended, and the discussion was streamed nationwide, allowing remote entrepreneurs to participate.
The format was interactive, with audio‑visual presentations followed by open forums. Sessions addressed the plan’s six strategic goals: skills development, technology and innovation, finance access, ecosystem building, domestic market expansion, and global opportunities, while also covering digitalization and financial tools.
Government agencies and partners showcased initiatives such as trade training, mentoring, shared service facilities, technology upgrading programs, small business financing, registration services, digital government projects, market development, export promotion, and digital business solutions.
Digital experts presented on strengthening local support systems, and a financial technology company demonstrated digital tools tailored for small businesses.
A mini trade fair ran alongside the sessions, featuring food concessionaires and stall operators from the region, offering market exposure and a showcase of locally made products.
