Concepcion to join Marcos in recognizing outstanding MSMEs

MANILA, Philippines — Government recognition and encouragement are essential to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises, said MSME Development Council vice chairman and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, days before President Marcos leads the Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs 2024 on July 10 at Malacañang.

“When the President himself giving importance to MSMEs by recognizing the outstanding ones, this just emphasizes how critical their role is in achieving our goal to become an upper-middle income nation,” said Concepcion. MSMEs account for almost all of the enterprises in the country and generate more than half of the jobs for Filipinos.

Concepcion will join the President and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual in awarding two outstanding MSMEs.

There will be one Presidential Awardee for the Small Enterprise Category, and one from the Medium Enterprise Category, all chosen from shortlisted finalists coming from the island groups of Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon (including National Capital Region), Visayas and Mindanao.

“The story of these finalists proved just how important it is for MSMEs to have access to money, markets and mentoring in order for them to scale up,” said Concepcion, adding how the programs of Go Negosyo, the non-profit he founded more than 18 years ago to encourage entrepreneurship among Filipinos, revolve around providing MSMEs access to these three pillars.

“For MSMEs to fully realize their potential to power the economy, we must enable them to scale up: to help the micro become small, the small become medium, and the medium enterprises to join the ranks of the country’s large corporations,” he said.

In addition to the Outstanding MSMEs, there will also be an awarding for the 2024 Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners. The five recipients of the award were chosen for having programs that improve business climate, access to finance, markets, technology and innovation, and management/labor capacities of MSMEs.

The Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and the MSME Development Council to give recognition to and celebrate exceptional MSMEs across various sectors; inspire and motivate other aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing successful models; and promote the importance of digitalization and innovation, sustainable practices, and social responsibility within the MSME community.

The grant of the awards is pursuant to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, or Republic Act 9501. The winners will receive a trophy and plaque, and cash prize from Go Negosyo.

Only 100 percent Filipino-owned and duly registered MSMEs are eligible for the awards. The board of judges is chaired by Pascual, and the winners were chosen based on market development; technology and innovation; human resource development; sustainability, community linkages and environmental impact; and financial management.