Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the celebration of MSMEs and Senior Citizens Day July 28 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
The event, on the theme “Enhancing the Role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Honoring Senior Citizens as Pillars of Wisdom, Strength, Social Harmony, and Resilience”, honored the significant contributions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and senior citizens through a series of dedicated programs, services, and activities tailored to their unique needs.
Lacson emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in driving the province’s economic development, the Capitol said in a press release.
“MSMEs have always been the lifeblood of our local economy, comprising over 90 percent of our business establishments,” he stressed.
“They are not only engines of growth but also symbols of grit, creativity, and community building,” Lacson said.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through access to markets, training, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
“We will continue to partner with the Department of Trade and Industry and other stakeholders to build an environment where our local businesses can scale up and reach broader markets—while staying proudly Negrense,” he added.
Paying tribute to senior citizens, Lacson described them as “pillars of wisdom, strength, and social harmony”, whose lives reflect the enduring values that continue to guide society.
“To our senior citizens, we honor your contributions and reaffirm that your wellbeing remains a top priority of the province of Negros Occidental,” he said.
During the program, 10 partner people’s organizations (POs) under the Provincial Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) that successfully completed livelihood skills training and monitoring received kitchen tools and equipment to help sustain their ventures.
Meanwhile, PGNO-assisted senior citizens were presented with the Bulawan, Pilak, and Balik Salig Awards in recognition of their continued engagement and service to the community.
Also in attendance were Board Members Rita Gatuslao and Nicholas Yulo, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, MSME representative Mary Grace Rodriguez, senior citizen representative and Escalante City Vice Mayor Rogelio Prietos, DTI provincial director Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal, ANP representative Christina Gaston, TLDC head Liberty Alarcon, provincial GAD Action officer Marie June Castro, and representatives from the DTI and the National Commission of Senior Citizens, among others. ||
