AIF reaches MSMEs at grassroots

Raffy Ayeng·4 December 2023, 12:20 am·1 min read

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AIF reaches MSMEs at grassroots — DAILY TRIBUNE managing editor Dinah Ventura, and DAILY TRIBUNE president Willie Fernandez pay attention to the informative talks of speakers at the AIF in Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa on 30 November 2023.

The Asian Innovation Forum of the DAILY TRIBUNE has touched grassroots micro, small and medium enterprises, or MSMEs,with its third edition held in Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City, on 30 November 2023.

True to its mission to help improve small businesses, introduce new ideas, open dialogues, and foster cooperation through the helping hand of government and private financial institutions, the AIF was attended by about 300 MSMEs that are primarily clamoring for greater access to financing and inclusion in the financial technology sector.

Gracing the AIF's 3rd edition was Wally Don Calderon, the vice president for Innovation and Advocacy of the Department of Trade and Industry's attached agency, Small Business Corporation. he discussed how the agency could attend to the needs of MSMEs that need additional funding via soft loans.

DAILY TRIBUNE executive vice president Chingbee Fernandez and Sucat, Muntinlupa Barangay Captain Rafael Sevilla talk about partnerships in improving the lives of Sucat MSMEs.

Hosts Chingkee Mangcucang and Kim Sancha explain to MSME attendees the benefits they can get from the AIF.

ATTENDEES of the AIF 3 in Barangay Sucat, Parañaque are given practical advice on how to make use of their 'Me Time' productively, as well as information on financing institutions that support micro and small businesses.

KOMFIE Manalo of the DAILY TRIBUNE (rightmost) lead the discussion on financial guidance for the 'Muntipreneurs.'

Also, from the government side, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Market Specialist IV Frederick Imson enticed the more successful business owners to level up and operate lotto outlets.

He clarified that it is not expensive to set up a lotto outlet, with just a P30,000 capital.

Meanwhile, Don Garcia, the Makati branch manager of Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, gained new applicants after their booth was swarmed by business owners who want to join cooperatives.

Maylene Viñas, the head of the Joint Resources Financing Program of Muntinlupa City, during her talk, revealed that in 2024, business startup indigents will be entitled to a financing program that will be facilitated by the City government, headed by Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

DOn Garcia, Makati Branch manager of Cebu CFI Community Cooperative.

Maylene Viñas, head of the Joint Resources Financing Program of Muntinlupa City Government.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Market Specialist IV Frederick Imson.

Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa chairman Rafael Sevilla.

Daily Tribune columnist and wellness advocate Cory Quirino.

Wally Don Calderon, vice president for Innovation and Advocacy of Small Business Corporation.

DAILY TRIBUNE marketing staff Erika May Trinidad utters the opening prayer.

Barangay Sucat chairman Rafael Sevilla also imparted to his constituents the importance of having a small business and grabbing the opportunities being offered by the government and private financial institutions, instead of believing in the wrong impression of "Di Baleng Tamad, Hindi naman Pagod."

Apt with the 3rd AIF's theme: "'ME' TIME: Growing on Windfall," no less than DAILY TRIBUNE Lifestyle Section columnist and Wellness Advocate Cory Quirino shared her expertise on why business owners should have the right amount of balance — a happy life, stress-free while fulfilling their entrepreneurial journeys.

An attendee of the AIF, during the question-and-answer portion, thanked the DAILY TRIBUNE for bringing the AIF to them, as the program bridged them to financial institutions that can provide funds needed to start their small businesses.