Local governments encouraged to help micro, small businesses

THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has urged all local government units in Cebu to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) within their jurisdiction and prepare them for the impact of regional economic integration.

“I believe that the strong relationship between the government and MSMEs will lead to local economic growth and will eventually give equal opportunities to the general public,” PB Member Miguel Antonio Magpale said in a resolution passed by the board last Feb. 29.

Lito Maderazo, past president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a separate interview that MSMEs need assistance in accessing credit and acquiring permits.

“They (LGUs) should also try to identify investment opportunities in these areas and help MSMEs access these opportunities as well,” he added.

Maderazo said the creation of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Economic Community, which will lead to a single market, would open a lot of opportunities for the local MSMEs.

But this also exposes micro businesses to competition from other Asean businesses.

LGUs can start by recognizing these micro enterprises.

“Many enterprises came to the PB to introduce themselves to us. We were surprised that the LGUs where they are from did not even know them,” he told CDN in a phone interview.

Magpale, who served as Danao City councilor from 2010 to 2013, said LGUs can extend financial help to MSMEs.

He noted that the provincial government has been extending P50,000 to P100,000 to MSMEs in the province.