Connecting MSMEs and their markets

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

- ANGAT LAHAT! JOEY CONCEPCION

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) National Food Fair at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City last week was a must-visit for all Filipinos. Of course, Filipinos love to eat and this was one gastronomical feast. But as the President pointed out during the event's opening ceremonies, the food fair was also a celebration of the country's rich and diverse culinary heritage. "It is a testament to the incredible talent, ingenuity and industry of our local farmers and artisans who bring pride and honor to our country."

Representative of the significance of this event was the presence of the bigwigs in the government and private sector. Of course, there was the President and the First Lady, DTI Sec. Cris Roque, then Investment and Economic Affairs Sec. Frederick Go, Dept. of Tourism Sec. Cristina Garcia Frasco and my peers in the private sector, most notably Tessie Sy Coson, who Sec. Cris thanked for her support of MSMEs.

I think the event showed us what can be accomplished when public and private sector come together for MSMEs. This is one of the core advocacies we push at Go Negosyo, and what we bring to life every time a successful businessman volunteers to mentor an MSME. At the DTI National Food Fair, one can see how the other essential M in entrepreneurship—access to markets (the other two being mentorship and money, or capital)—can be possible through the concerted efforts of the government and private sector. This was brought home with the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas B2B Marketplace during the event, which promises to bring MSMEs closer to potential bulk customers from various industries, effectively narrowing the gap between them and their markets.