Putting small enterprises on every candidate's agenda

I have been asked several times before how come I don't run for office.

- ANGAT LAHAT! JOEY CONCEPCION

Go Negosyo, they tell me, is a nationwide platform; it wields tremendous potential to reach out to Filipinos. I can see why people would be tempted to read more into my work at Go Negosyo beyond our mission to advocate for entrepreneurship in the Philippines. People can be easily forgiven for thinking this is a platform for elected office.

It was never about politics. I have said this time and again. Not that I mind being asked if I will ever run for office. It's a good jump-off point for talking about public-private sector cooperation, of which I would gladly talk about for hours.

Simply put, some people are made for government service. They enjoy its rigors and have the patience for the work. Private sector has always been my forte, but public service is something (should I call it a habit?) that I learned from my parents and my grandparents. I find in my work at Go Negosyo that healthy balance between rallying private sector support for the public good.

I admire my private-sector peers who chose to serve in government. It is a brave thing that they're doing and I wish them all the best. Government and private sector can learn a lot from each other and I am glad for the private sector input in government and government help in private sector efforts. There's no reason the two shouldn't co-exist.

As far as elected officials are concerned, well, they have an extra edge. Elected officials are given the mantle of authority to act on behalf of the people. That is why I welcomed it when some of the national candidates came to consult me about how best they can help our MSMEs once elected into office.