BACOLOD. Some of the participating micro-enterprises as the ongoing 12th Negros Business Expo at the Robinsons Place Bacolod. (MBCCI photo)
BACOLOD. Some of the participating micro-enterprises as the ongoing 12th Negros Business Expo at the Robinsons Place Bacolod. (MBCCI photo)

Biz group pushes for development of micro-enterprises in rural areas

THE Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) is urging the public to support Negrense entrepreneurs through one, buying local products amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of MBCCI, said at least 17 micro-enterprises from different cities and localities are showcasing locally made food and other goods at the ongoing 12th Negros Business Expo at the Robinsons Place Bacolod.

Themed "Finding Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow," the 17-day product showcase and trade event is being held from April 16 to May 2, 2021.

Carbon said this a joint project of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the business chamber.

"Supporting local entrepreneurs by buying their products will contribute to hastening the economic recovery of the province," he said, adding that micro-enterprises being the most vulnerable are actually the ones giving employment to their neighbors.

In July this year, the activity will be brought to Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

Another round of trade event aimed at helping small producers in the province will be held again at Robinsons Place Bacolod in October.

Aside from selling, there will be food processing demo, as well as lecture on how to be profitable amid these trying times.

Carbon reiterated that this economic activity and other events that will be held in the coming months will spur economic activities in the province

It will also help generate the needed jobs, he added.

In previous years, the MBCCI and Provincial Government have also been hosting the annual Negros Business Week.

In 2019, in its 11th year, the event was positioned to trigger growth and development toward the rural areas especially agriculture and fishery communities in Negros Occidental.

Carbon, who is also the vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Visayas, said the country is currently having a hard time moving forward because the economic recovery is on a "stop and go" status due to quarantine measures implemented in light of the Covid-19 threat.

The business leader said in seeking post-pandemic solutions, there's a need to look for the source of economic growth especially in the rural areas that need more help.

Carbon said about 30 percent of the money that goes to urban areas comes from rural areas.

"So these entrepreneurs should be immediately rehabilitated through one, giving them funding sources," he said, adding that "we cannot take off if we will not help them develop."

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