MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--With the belief that business entrepreneurs are key drivers to the country’s economic progress, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council now advances growth for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) here as it bears its major duty and responsibility of aiding its rightful beneficiaries.
“The role of the MSMED Council is significant in pursuing the MSME development plan,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 Regional Director Ermedio Abang during the Provincial MSMED Council Expo 2021 Thursday, November 26.
As stipulated in Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9501 otherwise known as Magna Carta for MSMEs, the council is primarily tasked with the promotion, growth, and development of SMEs by facilitating and closely coordinating national efforts to promote their viability.
The DTI-10 chief stressed the MSMED Council exists to initiate pilot programs to spur development among MSMEs, formulate implementing guidelines and operating principles, and explore networks to source out funds for relevant activities and Negosyo centers.
He said the Council also serves as a coordinative body that will harmonize and rationalize the activities and interventions of the various agencies for enterprise development.
Abang said the Council is composed of a chair in the person of the Secretary of the DTI, members constituting of Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Small Business Corporation, and MSME private sector representatives from the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and sectors of women and youth. It also has its advisory unit involving 10 members from various line agencies and sectors.
At the regional level, MSMED Councils were established in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, and Lanao del Norte all with respective chairpersons.
Abang further bared that the development plan is continuously implemented to spur success among MSMEs.
“Despite the uncertainties and difficulties, with the collaboration of all partners, these initiatives have contributed to encourage the development of a more resilient and innovative entrepreneurial journey of MSMEs in Northern Mindanao,” he said. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)
