To support the resilience and market reach of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. entered into a memorandum of agreement July 1, to promote the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.
“We are building a more robust and more resilient business landscape by equipping MSMEs with disaster preparedness knowledge and tools. Aligned with one of our strategic priorities, we are elevating enterprises and entrepreneurs, particularly MSMEs, to ensure their inclusive, innovative, and sustainable development,” DTI Secretary Fred Pascual said.
Under this agreement, MSMEs will be able to locate in SM malls and lease booths at a discounted rate. They will also access training programs on topics, such as product development, marketing, and financial management.
SM Prime Holdings Inc., meanwhile, will provide mentorship opportunities to MSMEs, pairing them with experienced business leaders, its press release said.
The Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters necessitates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and resilience, particularly for MSMEs that play a crucial role in the nation’s economy.
This collaboration between the public and private sectors will leverage the expertise and resources of both the DTI and SM Prime Holdings Inc. to equip MSMEs with business continuity plans (BCPs) and provide training on disaster preparedness strategies.
In collaboration with ARISE-Philippines, the local network of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies, this agreement aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.
The DTI and SM Prime Holdings Inc. target to train 6,000 MSMEs nationwide on BCPs from 2024 to 2027, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience across the country.
Meanwhile, the MOA on OTOP centers on promoting local products and craftsmanship. Through this collaboration, SM Prime will provide dedicated spaces in 83 SM Supermalls across the country for MSMEs to showcase and sell their unique products.
“Anchored on our goal to foster and boost local industries, we are actively promoting and supporting enterprises to develop a solid domestic market base and expand into exports,” Pascual said.
“This partnership between the DTI and SM Prime Holdings Inc. represents a significant step towards empowering MSMEs, especially OTOPreneurs. Through various programs, we help them produce diverse and sophisticated products and services that can compete in the global market,” Pascual added as he welcomed the agreement that directly aligns with the DTI’s objective to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs through improved market access and product promotion.
He acknowledged the crucial role of public and private partnerships in empowering MSMEs. SM Prime, together with SM Supermalls, has partnered with the government over the years, spearheading various sustainable developments.
In Western Visayas and Negros Island, the property developer has ongoing collaborations in the redevelopment of Iloilo City’s markets and Bacolod City’s Manokan Country. These projects aim to upgrade and improve facilities, propelling the growth of both economies and boosting vendors’ growth into capable, resilient, and sustainable MSMEs. ||
