Soco wants more capital for SMEs

CEBU, Philippines - Small and medium industries must have access to capital and technological support from the government, said businessman Glenn Anthony Soco before the Argao Business Community, Inc. (ABCI).

Soco, an entrepreneur himself, was the keynote speaker during the general assembly held recently at the President Diosdado Macapagal  Complex in Argao where the ABCI office and Pasalubong Center was also inaugurated.

“Ang gagmay nga mga magpapatigayun dapat matagaan og importansiya sa gobyerno kay kamo ang backbone sa ekonomiya sa nasud, (Small entrepreneurs should be given importance by the government because you are the backbone of the nation’s economy.)” said Soco, who is running for vice governor in the 2013 elections.

Soco emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to have access to capital and modern technology to support their businesses through the government.

If elected vice governor, Soco wants the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Council to give more support in terms of facilitating access to more capital for entrepreneurs.

The council must also work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry in marketing support to the entrepreneurs.

ABCI is eyeing the promotion and development of cacao plantation in Argao for tableya industry.

Tableya is unsweetened chocolate rounds made from cocoa beans, which is among the industries in Argao.

At present, tableya producers reportedly need help in improving the quality of product, packaging and in reaching out to new markets.

The formation of ABCI in 2009 was one of the identified “lighthouse projects” designed to usher economic growth in Argao.

The ABCI, composed of businessmen from the various sectors of Argao, has established strong ties with the Municipality of Argao and has collaborated with the local government unit in coming up with activities like mounting the famous Torta Festival. —/MIT (FREEMAN)