As the Co-Chair of the Negros Oriental Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSMED) Council, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du, together with NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni, took part in the Planning Meeting and Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Reactivation of the Negros Oriental Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSMED) Council with DTI as Secretariat, Province of Negros Oriental as Chair and NOCCI as Co-Chair.
Furthermore, the meeting was conducted to revitalize the organization, review the roles and responsibilities of the council officers, and to synchronize government and private sector efforts in helping the MSMEs. The said activity was conducted at Hotel Essencia, Dumaguete City.
NOCCI Leaders Join MSMED Council Reactivation Meeting
As part of their ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du and Executive Director John Jalandoni recently participated in the planning meeting and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the reactivation of the Negros Oriental Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSMED) Council. This significant event was held at Hotel Essencia in Dumaguete City, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) serving as the Secretariat, the Province of Negros Oriental as the Chair, and NOCCI as the Co-Chair.
The reactivation of the MSMED Council is a crucial step in revitalizing the support system for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental. These enterprises are the backbone of the local economy, providing jobs and fostering economic growth. The meeting was aimed at reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the council officers and aligning the efforts of both government and private sectors to better assist MSMEs.
Edward Du, in his role as Co-Chair of the MSMED Council, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “MSMEs are vital to our local economy. They are the drivers of innovation and job creation. The reactivation of the MSMED Council will enhance our collective efforts to provide these businesses with the support and resources they need to thrive,” Du stated.
The meeting began with an overview of the council’s goals and objectives, followed by a detailed discussion on the current challenges faced by MSMEs in Negros Oriental. Key issues such as access to finance, market development, and regulatory compliance were highlighted. Du and Jalandoni, along with other council members, provided insights on how to address these challenges effectively.
John Jalandoni, NOCCI’s Executive Director, pointed out the need for a more integrated approach to support MSMEs. “Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential. By synchronizing our efforts, we can create a more supportive ecosystem for MSMEs, ensuring they have access to the necessary tools and opportunities for growth,” Jalandoni said.
One of the main highlights of the meeting was the signing of the MOA, which formalized the roles and responsibilities of each party involved in the council. This agreement signifies a renewed commitment to fostering a robust MSME sector in Negros Oriental. The MOA outlines the collaborative efforts to be undertaken, including capacity-building programs, access to funding opportunities, and initiatives to improve market access for local businesses.
The council members also discussed the implementation of various programs designed to support MSMEs. These programs include training workshops on business management, financial literacy, and digital marketing. Additionally, there are plans to establish mentorship programs that will connect MSME owners with experienced business leaders for guidance and support.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring ways to improve access to finance for MSMEs. Du highlighted the importance of creating financial products tailored to the needs of small businesses. “Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges for MSMEs. We need to work with financial institutions to develop solutions that are specifically designed for small businesses, making it easier for them to get the funding they need,” he remarked.
The reactivation of the MSMED Council also includes efforts to streamline regulatory processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for MSMEs. This will help create a more business-friendly environment, encouraging more entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Negros Oriental.
As the meeting concluded, there was a strong sense of optimism and commitment among the council members. The reactivation of the MSMED Council marks a new chapter in the support and development of MSMEs in Negros Oriental. With the collaborative efforts of NOCCI, DTI, and the provincial government, there is a renewed focus on creating a thriving environment for small businesses.
Edward Du expressed his confidence in the council’s ability to make a significant impact. “Together, we can create a vibrant and dynamic business community in Negros Oriental. The MSMED Council will be a catalyst for positive change, helping our MSMEs to succeed and contribute to the overall economic development of our province,” he concluded.
The reactivation of the MSMED Council represents a vital step in strengthening the support framework for MSMEs in Negros Oriental. By bringing together the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors, the council is well-positioned to drive meaningful progress and foster a more resilient and prosperous business environment.
