Unity amidst diversity

Over the last 20 years since I founded Go Negosyo in 2005, the landscape in the Philippines has undergone so many changes.

- JOEY CONCEPCION

In my advocacy dedicated to empowering MSMEs, I've witnessed these transformations firsthand: through various administrations and political climates, economic ups and downs and technological shifts.

Throughout this time, Go Negosyo's focus remained solely on its core mission: to provide MSMEs with access to capital, mentorship and markets. This commitment is rooted in a deeply held conviction that our work must transcend political divides, survive economic downturns and adapt to technological shifts. Our mission is about building a stronger, more inclusive Philippine economy by continuing to strengthen its very backbone: the MSMEs.

I only reflect on this because in the coming Congress, we will see senator-elect Bam Aquino returning to the Senate. Sen. Bam is a staunch supporter of MSMEs. During his term, he significantly advanced legislation benefiting MSMEs, most notably through the Go Negosyo Act (RA 10644), which provided entrepreneurs with access to financing, training and markets. He also championed the Youth Entrepreneurship Act (RA 10679) to inspire young Filipinos to engage in entrepreneurship and the Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337) to enhance the startup ecosystem. Beyond legislation, he actively mentored aspiring entrepreneurs through Go Negosyo events and highlighted small business success stories on social media segments, such as "SME Go!" and "Quick Panalo."

I mention this because it will be a historic time as he will be a senator in the second half of President Marcos Jr.'s term. For those of us who have been around long enough, it is common knowledge that, owing to their family histories, they come from different sides of the political fence.