As a platform for the local economy to bounce back from the sudden halt, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Local Economic Enterprise and Investment Promotions Unit (LEEIPU) joins the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the opening of the La Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council Week Celebration with the Theme: “Makabagong MSMEs, Bagong Pag-asa Laban sa Pandemya” on July 13, 2021 at CSI Atrium, City of San Fernando, La Union.
In his message, Gov. Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III highlighted, “Despite being impacted by the greatest game changer the modern world ever faced, the COVID 19 pandemic, I am grateful for you have organized the activities such as this that help us stir economic recovery as we all continue to promote business-friendly environment in our province…Equipped with the lessons from this fight, it reveals the silver lining that our MSMEs are resilient and are drivers of an inclusive transition towards a more sustainable economy.”
DTI Provincial Director Merlie D. Membrere imparts the overview of this year’s MSMED Week Celebration. “The celebration will be highlighted by the awarding of Safety Seal to business establishments and local government units compliant with safety and health protocols,” Membrere said. She further discussed the importance of RA 6977: An Act to Promote, Develop and Assist Small and Medium Scale Enterprises through the Creation of a Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, and The Rationalization of Government Assistance Programs and Agencies Concerned with the Development which led to the MSMED celebration.
Meanwhile, MSMED Council President Lina Flor Hizon emphasized on the collaborative programs of the government, private sector, Civil Society Organizations and non-governmental organizations in paving the way to economic recovery and resiliency among the business sector. She further stated that the MSMEs, which comprise more than 90% of the business sector, is the lifeblood of the economy.
There are 19 MSMEs who joined the Opening Program followed by a Financing and MSMED Forum with the Topic: Enabling Digital Economy powered by Logistics Management and E-commerce. The awarding of Safety Seal Ceremony spearheaded by the City Government of San Fernando and DTI Provincial Office identified eight Business Establishment Awardees. They are: Hyundai (SFC Branch), Citi Hardware (SFC and Bauang Branch), Savemore-Sanford Marketing (SFC and Aringay Branch), CSI Mall, CSI Supermarket and Mc Donalds (All SFC branches).