PARTNERS IN NATION-BUILDING

Nakakalocal's success is largely due to a group of collaborators who champion local talent

- By CECILE J. BALTASAR

For any recurring program to be truly successful, an organization needs partners who share the same vision. When Philstar Media Group (PMG) conceptualized Nakakalocal, its flagship MSME initiative, the group's leadership knew they had to partner with like-minded brands. They found companies who share PMG's commitment to the advancement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"The great thing about this group of partners who have been involved with Nakakalocal for years now is that we all share a deep commitment to MSMEs," says Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president of PMG. "Like PMG, our partners prioritize programs designed to help MSMEs thrive. We created Nakakalocal to become a platform both for entrepreneurs to shine and for our partners to extend help."

In the four years that Nakakalocal has been around, this assistance has helped 1,250 STAR MSMEs expand their market base, develop their products, and make valuable connections in the industry.

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Nakakalocal has maintained strong relationships with many of its partners from day one.

"We've had a long relationship with these brands," says Jenalyn Sarte, PMG's marketing manager, on Nakakalocal's loyal partners. "These people understand the value of storytelling; they love storytelling." This shared regard for the power of stories, combined with an advocacy for independent entrepreneurs, has sparked the success of Nakakalocal from its inception.

Leading the charge to support MSMEs through Nakakalocal are Ortigas Malls, SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, Toyota Motor Phils Corp, BDO, and Federal Land.

Ortigas Malls, for one, continuously finds ways to celebrate Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.