In support of their collective
vision of financial inclusion for all Filipinos, the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
multinational company Coca-Cola, and leading mobile wallet GCash, have come
together to co-present this year’s Tatak Matatag na Negosyo, a trailblazing
program that aims to mobilize public and
private sectors in empowering and uplifting micro-retailers by providing them
with essential knowledge, resources, and support to thrive in their businesses.
With the theme, “Upgrade, Upskill,
and Upsize the Micro-Retail Sector,” the event served as an informational
session for women sari-sari store owners and carinderia operators to expand
their knowledge and access to useful business resources.
In her solidarity message, GCash VP
for corporate communications and public affairs Gilda Maquilan emphasized the
importance of financial inclusion to further growth of MSMEs, "A resilient
business like a small store, market stall, farmer, or any regular Filipino
entrepreneur should have access to financial services like payments, money
transfers, savings accounts, and especially fair lending and insurance. We
envision to keep making the process easier in line with our belief that
financial services are a right and not just a privilege, and inclusion will lead
to economic progress and freedom."
“Micro retailers are the lifeblood
of our communities. They are made up of neighborhood sari-sari stores, small market vendors, and the street food stalls that cater to our everyday
needs. They are the ones who know us by name, who provide personalized service,
and who build strong connections with their customers. It is my firm belief
that every entrepreneur, particularly micro retailers, has the potential to be
a trailblazer—to carry a Tatak of Matatag na Negosyo that inspires others,
transforms communities, and strengthens our economy.” says DTI undersecretary
Bles Lantayona.
Coca-Cola Philippines was represented by Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, the
Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for the East
Region of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Operating Unit, who
emphasized the company's dedication to bolstering the MSME sector through
socio-economic initiatives such as the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to
Resources (STAR) Program. Over the years, the initiative has been
digitalized, known as the 'iSTAR
program', and has empowered more than 270,000 micro-entrepreneurs since its
inception in 2011.
“Our journey has been filled with inspiring success stories where
micro-retailers have thrived and flourished, setting new benchmarks of
excellence in our communities," she said. "As we move forward, our
support for the growth and well-being of MSMEs remains steadfast. We will
continue improving our sustainability programs with inputs from all our
partners, from both the public and private sectors, so we can build a more
inclusive and prosperous society where micro-retailers can flourish.”
GCash Southern Greater Manila Area
channel distributor manager JC Cuadrado also presented its suite of digital
solutions that can help MSMEs expand their businesses. “The recent years have
shown us how quick Filipinos can adapt to digitalization, and with this, many
businesses have flourished. Finance for all will ensure that nobody is left
behind in the digital economy as we ensure our digital solutions are accessible
for you to upgrade, upskill, and upsize.”
With its continuing commitment to
financial inclusion, GCash looks forward
to expanding its partnerships with key players in the public and private sectors
to make vital financial services available for all. Together with the support
of its partners, this event will pave the way for a more resilient and
progressive micro-retail sector in the Philippines.
For more information, visit
https://www.gcash.com