The country's largest business organization, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Senate Majority Leader Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are joining forces to implement projects aimed to promote the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generate livelihood opportunities in the countryside.

PCCI President Donald Dee, Sen. Pangilinan, and DTI Secretary Juan Santos launched this program today and formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement at the Amorsolo Room of the Heritage Hotel.

Sen. Pangilinan emphasized that the overall vision of PROPEL "is to create globally competitive Philippine MSMEs by providing them with access to business opportunities; comprehensive financial and administrative support; training; as well as build the capabilities of government units and institutions that generate and implement programs for MSME development."

Pangilinan stressed that "to ensure a more widespread and equitable distribution of economic growth, we have to bring opportunities and competencies to untapped areas in the country, particularly in the countryside. A project such as PROPEL Development is a prime example of how the PDAF that comes from the people goes back directly to the people. At the same time, the tripartite project is a good model for showcasing the tremendous potential of public sector - private sector partnership." Pangilinan allocated P21million of his PDAF to the project.

According to Secretary Santos, 'over 99 percent of companies belong to the MSME sector and it is imperative that we assist them. That is why we have linked-up with PCCI and its extensive network of local chambers and industry associations so that our programs can reach many of these MSMEs." He hailed the landmark agreement as proof that the different branches of government and the private sector can effectively work hand in hand.

Dee said that "the focus of PCCI and its entire national chamber network is the development of MSMEs to address the pressing issue of poverty in the country." He added that "a dynamic MSME sector is critical if we want to create jobs and achieve sustainable growth."

He explained that through this partnership with Sec. Pangilinan and the DTI, " we hope to put in place support systems that will strengthen MSMEs in the countryside." Dee added that this can be done by strengthening partnerships in the regions among the local government units, local chambers and other community stakeholders. Chambers, in cooperation with LGUs will identify the specific products and activities that will be prioritized in their respective areas.

The program involves the following major thrusts:

1. Implementation of an advocacy program to improve the policy environment for MSMEs in the identified areas;
2. Implementation of specific projects to improve capabilities of business support organizations (BSOs) such as local chambers of commerce and industry (LCCIs) and industry/sectoral associations to provide relevant business support services;
3. Implementation of technology-transfer activities to facilitate the adoption by MSMEs of effective production and marketing techniques to increase their competitiveness;
4. Conduct of management and skills training courses for existing and prospective entrepreneurs and their workforce;
5. Adoption of innovative mechanisms to create market linkages and relationships between enterprises towards the development of the supply and value-chain; and
6. Provision of consultancy and technical assistance to access financing.