Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of economy – Gov. Marquez

Kalibo, Aklan -- “If taxes are the lifeblood of the government, entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the economy”.

This was Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez’ way of praising Aklan’s Small and Medium Entrepreneurs here, when he gave his message at the opening program of the SME Forum held June 18 at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training here.

The activity, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry here under Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes, was held in support of Aklan’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

The activity was an opportunity for the MSMEs to exchange ideas, discuss 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’ is a very appropriate theme, as we focus on our SMEs, who help us pave the way from poverty to prosperity. SMEs have the whole support of the provincial government, and 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 here, the area will be more convenient and spacious for the exhibitors.

He 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 said.

For her part, DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes said figures are on 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 (SECs).

Pollentes said 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.

“We are also doing our best to make business in Aklan environmentally-friendly, together with other concerned agencies here,” Pollentes assured everyone.

The SME forum was attended by SMED members coming from the different government agencies here, small and medium entrepreneurs and the local media. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)