Friday, August 08, 2008 Pampanga main contributor to SME development in CL By Jovi T. de Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Billions of pesos in loans and numerous assistance packages to the province's small and medium entrepreneurs (SME) has made Pampanga the number one contributor to SME development in Central Luzon.
In a report presented before entrepreneurs and members of the Pampanga SME Development Council (PSMEDC) Wednesday at the Benigno Aquino Hall of the provincial Capitol, council chairperson Teresa David-Carlos outlined the group's accomplishments for the period 2007 to the first semester of this year.
Carlos was elected Chairman of PSMEDC on July 24, 2007.
She revealed that in 2007 alone, the provincial SMED team had approved and released loans amounting to P1.4 billion to 8,977 SMEs. The financing program generated domestic sales of P13 million and exports totaling P13 million through intensive marketing, promotions and market matching here and abroad through international trade fairs.
Another P.88 million and P1.3 million have been generated by the collaborative efforts of the team in the first semester of 2008 in local and export sales, respectively.
Carlos pointed out that market matching in 2007 generated an income of P3.5 billion and an added P1.1 million during this year's January to June term. "These have benefited a total of 10,068 SMEs all over the province in terms of marketing, skills development and consultancy assistance," she said.
She added that last year's meager investment of P2.5 million was able to generate returns of P3.5 billion and provide employment for 63,135 in the SME industry.
Pampanga SMEs have been featured by the council in 34 domestic trade fairs and 15 international trade fairs, allowing them the much needed local and global exposure.
The PSMEDC was created and organized under Republic Act 6977, also known as the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises, an act to promote, develop and assist small and medium enterprises through the creation of a SMED council.
Members of the PSMEDC include the National Meat Inspection Service, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, DILG, DENR, BFAR, DAR, DOH, DOLE, DOST, DTI, NEDA, TESDA, PIA, DBP, LBP and the Provincial Cooperative Enterprise Development Council.
Members from the academe include the Holy Angel University, the Angeles University Foundation, the Pampanga Agricultural Colleges and the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trade.
The Pampanga SMED Team also has in its roster the Sweets and Delicacies association of Pampanga, the Pampanga Association of Meat Processors, the Pampanga Chapter of the Chamber of Furniture and Industry of the Philippines, the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
