During the signing ceremony, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque underscored the importance of big businesses in helping micro, small, and medium enterprises move up the value chain. “In Bagong Pilipinas, no one is left behind,” she said. “Our MSMEs are the lifeblood of our communities, and they deserve not just encouragement—but real opportunities to thrive.”
The initiative, a capability-building program, aims to upgrade, upsize, and upskill MSMEs by providing hands-on learning and exposure to best practices in enterprise management.
Under the agreement, JFC and JGF will host a half-day learning session in July for DTI-assisted MSMEs. The session will cover business fundamentals and help strengthen market access and supply chain participation.
As part of the agreement, JFC and JGF will handle program design, venue logistics, meals, and co-issuance of certificates of participation. Meanwhile, the DTI will identify and invite qualified MSMEs and monitor the outcomes after the session.
“This partnership is not only a model of public-private collaboration,” said Trade Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of the DTI-Regional Operations Group. “It directly supports the Magna Carta for MSMEs by fostering entrepreneurship, building capacities, and creating vital linkages.”
The collaboration supports the Marcos Administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda focused on inclusive growth and enterprise resilience. Roque emphasized that MSME development is a shared responsibility between government and industry leaders.
“To our MSMEs: let this be your moment. Use this partnership. Learn from it. Grow through it,” Roque urged. “Your success is our country’s strength.”
The MOU was signed by Roque for the DTI, JFC CEO Joseph Tanbuntiong, and JGF president Ma. Gisela Tiongson, with senior representatives from all parties present at the event. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
