Friday, December 21, 2007

Entrepreneurs: The Lifeblood of Economy, Says Aklan Gov.

“If taxes are the lifeblood of the government, entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the economy”.
This is Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez’ way of praising Aklan’s Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SME) when he gave his message at the opening program of the SME Forum held at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center, Buswang Old, Kalibo.
The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry under Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes. It was held in support of Aklan’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).
The activity enabled the MSMEs to exchange ideas, discuss common concerns and be updated on issues or events affecting their respective industry sectors.
“The theme of the National SMED Week ‘Ang Galing Mo Pinoy! Go Negosyo’ was a very appropriate theme as it focused on SMEs which helps pave the way out from poverty to prosperity. SMEs are highly supported by the provincial government. No matter how small our budget is, there is always something for our Aklan SMEs”, Governor Marquez said.
He also told the group that the provincial government has started improving the trade fair venue at the Goding Ramos Park at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, so that in the forthcoming trade fairs and product showcases like the Ati Atihan, the area will be more convenient and spacious for the exhibitors. Marquez also reminded the entrepreneurs to be sincere and transparent in their dealings with their clients, and never violate the rights of others.
“We Filipinos have the capacity of starting small and ending big. There are many people who are models of entrepreneurship, including Aklanons. One I can cite is the departed former mayor of Batan, Mayor Herodutos Ramos, who started his venture as a cottage industry that became a plastics empire. As the economic backbone of the province, let us make Aklan progressive, and then we can say “Ang galing mo Aklanon! Go Negosyo!” Gov. Marquez enthused.
For her part, DTI – Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes reported the uptrend as far as SMEs in Aklan are concerned. She said the number of investments is up and growing; many Aklanons have jobs triggered by the SMEs, and many businesses have sought registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“The flourishing of business in Boracay island is a big advantage for Aklan’s SMEs, so products should always be upgraded, innovated and developed to compete with other SMEs from other provinces which also make Boracay as a market for their products,” advised Pollentes.
“We are also doing our best to make business in Aklan environment-friendly, together with other concerned agencies,” Pollentes assured everyone.
The SME forum was attended by SMED members coming from the different government agencies in Aklan, small and medium entrepreneurs and the local media. /MP

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