FROM newspaper reports and other accounts, it can be surmised that the small and medium-scale enterprises are getting focus and assistance they need to start them up, sustain their financial viability and push them to grow and be nurtured.
Aside from the initial funds set aside for the SMEs at the inception of the P3 program, or the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso, an additional P1 billion has been added by the national government
to aid the micro entrepreneurs throughout the country.
Reportedly, the Small Business Corporation, the micro financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, "will continue the flagship program that will provide micro enterprises an alternative source of financing that is easy to access and made available at a reasonable cost".
The P3 program, per press release, "is a financing program intended to give MSMEs a better access to finance and reduce their cost of borrowing and keep away the loan sharks which prey on micro enterprises. The fund will give priority and access to the country's 30 poorest provinces".
DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya claims that through the P3, less privileged sectors can find relief from overly expensive borrowings as they pursue their livelihood
activities.
The P3 program was initially launched in Tacloban, Leyte in January 25, then in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro in January 27 and in Alabel, Sarangani, three of the country's poorest provinces. It was launched nationwide in April, with an initial funding of P850 million, making the funds available to Filipino entrepreneurs who are engaged in small businesses such as sari-sari stores which are vulnerable to usurious lenders in the absence of an alternative source.
No less than President Duterte who has vowed to provide affordable micro loans for micro entrepreneurs and he is consistent in his efforts to help these small enterprises.
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The Pampanga Media Fellowship and Year-end activity was held December 13, 2017 at the refurbished and expanded Fontana Convention Center, Clark Freeport and was attended by the creme dela creme of Pampanga media. In attendance were: Bong Lacson, Perry Pangan who both delivered inspirational messages, Max Sangil, Deng Pangilinan, Ashley Manabat, Ding Cervantes and representatives of GV FM, RW FM, PepTV, CLTV 36, ABS-CBN Pampanga and more.