THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) and Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), has launched “Joy in Learning: MSMEs Meet and Learn,” a capability-building initiative aimed at empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and integrating them into larger value chains.
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), underscores the responsibility of big enterprises to support MSME growth, according to DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.
In a statement, the “Joy in Learning” program will feature a half-day learning session hosted by JFC and JGF in July, leveraging their expertise to enhance MSMEs’ business fundamentals and market access.
Under the MOU, JFC and JGF will handle program design, venue, meals and the issuance of participation certificates, while the DTI will identify and invite MSME participants and provide post-learning session monitoring.
DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona highlighted the partnership’s support for the Magna Carta for MSMEs, fostering entrepreneurship and building crucial business linkages.
Roque stressed that MSME development is a shared responsibility, extending beyond the government to include large private-sector players like Jollibee.
“This partnership is not only a model of public-private collaboration. It directly supports the provisions of the Republic Act 9501, or the Magna Carta for MSMEs, by fostering entrepreneurship, building capacities and creating vital linkages,” she said
JFC Philippines chief executive officer and Jollibee Global head Joseph Tanbuntiong and JGF president Ma. Gisela Tiongson signed the MOU alongside Roque, with senior officials from all three organizations in attendance. / KOC