MESSAGES

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joins the Provincial Government of Bulacan and the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in welcoming visitors and exhibitors to the online Bulacan Business Conference (BBC) and Bulacan Food Fair and Exposition (BUFFEX) 2020.

As one of the most awaited activities in the celebration of the Singkaban Festival, the holding of the BBC and BUFFEX remains a significant platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as it empowers entrepreneurs, grows businesses and stimulates investments in your locality. Despite the present COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing economic challenges to our country, moving this year's gathering online will introduce Bulacan's homegrown food and products, as well as showcase the history, art, and culture of the province to an even wider audience while strictly following health protocols.

DTI recognizes that MSMEs are a major driver of the country's economic development, accounting for more than 99% of total enterprises and generating around 63% of the country's overall employment. As such, ensuring the sustainable growth of MSMEs has always been among our focuses, especially as we address the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Through our COVID-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program, a microfinancing fund of the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), MSMEs can avail of interest-free loans and government assistance. To support Filipino entrepreneurs during this period of the pandemic, DTI is promoting a nation-wide campaign to "BUY LOCAL, GO LOKAL" for the public to patronize local products and businesses. This will create demand, provide livelihood, and renew consumer confidence. As we adapt to the "New Normal," we are also trying to create a "Better normal" by offering free online tech tools and webinars to help MSMEs reinvent their business models and help them shift to the digital economy.

As the people of Bulacan celebrate the Singkaban Festival in the safety of their homes, DTI hopes that this event will rekindle in everyone's hearts the bayanihan spirit, as we collectively work in the post-pandemic recovery towards our shared goal of sustainable and inclusive growth. By working together, we can realize President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's vision of uplifting the quality of life of every Filipino.

Mabuhay!

RAMON M. LOPEZ
Secretary