QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte through his Special Assistant, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, guaranteed sari-sari store owners and other micro-entrepreneurs they had the government’s continued support.
During the “TinadahaNation,” a sari-sari store convention hosted by Puregold on Wednesday, May 16, Go said that micro businesses like sari-sari stores encourage Filipinos to participate in economic activities, as this is the “easiest business that Filipinos can engage into.”
Go also cited some government programs, especially those from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that support sari-sari stores and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
These programs include “Suking Tindahan Program” which gives a seal of good housekeeping to stores that implement suggested retail prices (SRPs) so that cheaper basic and prime goods can be accessible to many Filipinos.
DTI also launched the “Kapatid Mentor Me Program,” a mentorship program for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs for them to grow their businesses; and “Negosyo Centers” that bring government services closer to retailers so they can register their businesses.
“President Duterte, even before when he is still a Davao mayor, wants business permit application to be fast. He wants it done in 48 or 72 hours,” Go said.
“That is also his directive to the DTI: make doing business in the country easier for Filipinos. Those who want to go into business, help them,” he added. Jodi Bustos