MSME Week 2021 to Recognize Outstanding Entrep, Inspire Others

DAVAO CITY – This year’s celebration of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week will highlight optimism amid the current uncertainties.

Since March 2020, the local entrepreneurs have been facing several challenges because of the global health crisis. In the meantime, a number of them had decided to suspend their operations until things get better, while others completely closed their businesses.

The MSME Week 2021 is seen as an avenue to promote entrepreneurship and inspire more local entrepreneurs to continue despite the setbacks since the government has been doing its best to extend the necessary assistance.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said that the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be denied. Hence, the Davao Region MSME Development Council, together with the National MSMED Council, will make the MSME Week 2921 celebration on August 2 to 6 special for them.

“Despite the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine and opening of the economy, some of the MSMEs have remained incapable of bouncing back. Their cash flows are still tight and could not sustain their operation,” Ambi said.

With the theme “Makabagong MSMEs: Bagong Pag-asaLaban sa Pandemya,” the virtual celebration is expected to spread hope and continuously inspire the MSMEs. Among the lined up discussions are Improved Business Climate on day 1; Improved Access to Finance on day 2; Enhanced Management and Labor Capacities on day 3; Improved Access to Technology and Innovation on day 4; and Improved Access to Market on day 5.

The week-long celebration will be culminated with the Search for the Most Outstanding MSMEs in the New Normal awarding. This is to give recognition to those who have overcome the hardships and challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“This will look into how the entrepreneurs turned the pandemic into a season of opportunities and how they have continued to thrive amidst economic hardships and uncertainties. Their success stories will surely bring inspiration to many,” the DTI official shared, adding that these inspiring MSMEs will be the face of competitiveness, innovativeness, and resilience.

Since January this year, DTI 11 has already assisted a total of 13,998 MSMEs through various programs such as product development, capacity building, marketing and promotion. The office is targeting to assist 23,000 MSMEs at the end of the year.

Ambi encouraged everyone to participate in the region’s MSME Week 2021 celebration and follow the DTI 11 official Facebook page (DTI Region 11) to get updates about the upcoming event.