DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao City director Jinky Remitio noted that there are still few homegrown business exhibitors who join every time there is a franchise event like the recently-concluded two-day Franchise Negosyo Para sa Davao of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

But she hoped that more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will join in the future.

“We have been inviting a lot of homegrown MSMEs but we understand that joining (franchise event) would require organization fees. Also, maybe our homegrown MSMEs are still developing further their business concepts before they offer it to others or they open it for franchise,” she said.

Franchising aims to cultivate entrepreneurship among MSMEs, thus DTI is pushing for more homegrown MSMEs in Davao City to participate in franchising activities to expand their market outside the region.

Last Friday, May 31, the two-day Franchise Negosyo Para sa Davao of the PFA once again opened at the SM Lanang Atrium to promote different franchise business opportunities.

Remitio said franchising is a way to encourage those who would like to engage in business but are still uncertain of their skills or on what kind of business to venture.

“With franchising, the risk will be lesser since the product or the brand is already known or tested in the market. That is why we really support the franchising sector and other groups or franchising association,” she said.

Meanwhile, PFA director for membership, requirement and benefits and president of K2 Pharmacy Rebecca Bucad said in her opening message that the event is an initiative to create businesses and generate jobs and a strategy to help small entrepreneurs to grow their business.

She acknowledged the effort and support of the city government of Davao through the Davao City Promotion and Investment Center (DCIPC), the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (DCCCII), DTI 11, and other private stakeholders. (LHC)