P-Noy lauds Puregold's 7th Tindahan ni Aling Puring convention

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday assured retailers, sari-sari store owners, micro, small and medium enterprise advocates and entrepreneurs of the government’s continued support in their endeavors to effectively run their business.

In a speech at Puregold’s 7th Tindahan Ni Aling Puring sari-sari store convention at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, he promised participants that they could count on the government.

Aquino also enjoined all Filipinos to make their dreams for themselves and their families a reality by investing their skills and fortitude in becoming a businessman or entrepreneur.

The annual event promises to be bigger and even more colorful as for the first time the convention was simultaneously held in two venues: the World Trade Center in Manila, until May 19, and in Camp John Hay in Baguio City, until May 17.

Some 70,000 members of Tindahan ni Aling Puring took part in the gathering and celebration, up from last year’s attendance of 60,000.

Currently, Puregold Aling Puring members total over 200,000.

Aquino was welcomed at the main entrance by Puregold chairman Lucio Co, vice chair Susan Co Dayao and WTC chairman Guillermo Luchangco.

Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto introduced Aquino.

The President later toured the convention hall to view the various exhibits of some 350 booths from 100 Puregold suppliers and meet with the excited participants.

Aquino lauded Puregold’s support for the sari-sari store sector, citing the retailing sector’s contribution to the economy: “Which street does not have a sari-sari store? For the entire economy, 30 percent or P1.3 trillion is the contribution of retailing.”

He also pledged government support to more micro-entrepreneurs through the faster processing and registration of new businesses and the holding of SME caravans providing business ideas and other information to interested Filipinos.

“As of April, 24 SME Caravans have already gone around the country so our people are made aware of business possibilities. Hopefully, we will have more micro-entrepreneurs to make our economy more vibrant,” Aquino said.

The President said business confidence was growing on both the foreign and local fronts, “and this will translate to more activity because businessmen are more secure now over our country’s prospects.”

Puregold chairman Co said the company is placing all its bets on the Philippines, with plans to open 35 more new stores this year.

Puregold opens three new stores this week, in West Avenue, Quezon City; Gen. Trias in Cavite; and Brgy. Putatan in Muntinlupa.