DTI, Jollibee partner to upskill MSMEs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with fast food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) and Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow through upskilling.

The DTI said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual with JFC and JGF on April 17, to work together to support the advancement of MSMEs.

Pascual said the partnership would involve the conduct of a training program for MSMEs.

The DTI-MSME Development Group, in particular, will work with JFC and JGF to empower MSMEs through capacity building and knowledge sharing.

As a first activity under the partnership, Jollibee will conduct a learning session with MSMEs on April 25, at the Jollibee Plaza Building in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The partnership supports the goals under Republic Act 9501 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which mandates nationwide support to help MSMEs grow given their potential to create jobs and drive economic growth.

Under the law, the government aims to promote the growth of MSMEs through support in terms of expanding entrepreneurship training programs, fostering linkages between large and small enterprises and encouraging private sector engagements.

MSMEs account for around 99.5 percent of the country’s total business establishments.

Pascual said the MOU reflects the shared values of DTI, JFC and JGF to achieve a common goal.

“It is a testament to our collective belief in the private and public sectors in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the profound impact it can have on individuals, families and communities,”  he said.

In addition to helping in MSME development, Jollibee has also expressed its commitment to sustainable business practices through its Joy for Tomorrow agenda.

Jollibee’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on food, people and planet, as well as supports farmers’ livelihoods and community welfare, is seen as crucial to a flourishing MSME ecosystem.