Legarda: MSMEs everyday lifeblood of Filipino communities

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda joined the nation in celebrating Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day on June 27, affirming the role of small businesses as the everyday lifeblood of Filipino communities. She shared that MSMEs are more than enterprises; they are living stories of perseverance and hope, carrying with them the dreams that grow into livelihoods for countless families.

“Hindi lang negosyo ang MSMEs, dito nagsisimula ang pangarap na nagiging hanapbuhay. Kapag may maliit na tindahan, may pamilyang umaasa. Kapag may sari-sari store, may kabataan na napapaaral. Kapag may maliit na pagawaan, may komunidad na nabibigyan ng pagkakataon. MSMEs are the everyday proof that dreams can grow into livelihoods,” Legarda said.

Legarda underscored her legislative work that has consistently placed MSMEs at the center of national development. She authored and principally sponsored Republic Act No. 9501 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which institutionalized support for small enterprises across all productive sectors.

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She also served as principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act, ensuring that innovation and creativity empower MSMEs and strengthen research across government, industry, and academia.

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As co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, she helped establish Negosyo Centers nationwide to provide training and market linkages.

She likewise served as Principal Author of Republic Act No. 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act, which expanded access to microfinance for small entrepreneurs, and as Principal Author and Principal Sponsor of Republic Act No. 9509 or the Barangay Livelihood and Skills Training Act of 2008, which brought skills development directly to communities.

Legarda has consistently backed livelihood programs that translate policy into support on the ground. Through initiatives of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Service Facilities (DTI SSF), Department of Labor and Employment’s Kabuhayan Program, Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD SLP), and Department of Science and Technology’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST CEST), communities gain access to machinery, technical assistance, product development, and market-ready skills that help MSMEs grow into viable businesses.

READ: Energizing MSMEs: The lifeblood of growth and the economy

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She also envisioned and initiated the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) in 2016, which continues to give local artisans, MSMEs, and indigenous communities national exposure and market opportunities. The annual fair has become a venue for products to reach buyers and visitors from across the country, helping them connect to bigger markets and sustain their livelihoods.

In Antique, her hometown, Legarda pushed for Tindahang Lokal, a permanent hub for MSMEs where farmers, fisherfolk, and artisans can display and sell their products. From weaving and bamboo crafts to food processing and eco-friendly creations, the initiative has given local entrepreneurs a platform to reach wider markets while preserving traditional practices.

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READ: Legarda pushes bill to streamline MSME support

Beyond these platforms, Legarda has supported women-led MSMEs that promote sustainable livelihoods, with thousands of women benefiting from initiatives ranging from climate-resilient enterprise development in post-disaster areas to the promotion of local weaving, food processing, and eco-friendly crafts in provinces nationwide.

Legarda’s comprehensive approach links past achievements with forward-looking legislation designed to reinforce every stage of enterprise development. Her proposed Pangkabuhayan Act of 2025 (SBN 160) institutionalizes capital assistance and livelihood support for marginalized individuals and communities.

The proposed Sustainable Livelihood Program Act (SBN 787) guarantees continuity and improvement of DSWD’s SLP model, creating more resilient livelihood networks nationwide. Complementing these measures, the proposed Enterprise Productivity Act (SBN 1260) aims to modernize enterprise operations through innovation and capacity building, while the proposed Shared Service Facilities Act (SBN 1254) ensures that MSMEs gain access to machinery, technology, and common production hubs that raise quality and competitiveness.

Figures from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2024 show that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up 99.63 percent of registered businesses in the country, or 1,236,908 out of 1,241,476 establishments.

MSMEs also provide 66.58 percent of total employment nationwide, equivalent to 6,252,202 jobs. Globally, the United Nations recognizes MSMEs as vital drivers of inclusive growth, representing around 90 percent of businesses worldwide, generating over 60 percent of employment, and contributing about half of global GDP.

“Kung tutuusin, MSMEs ang tunay na bida sa barangay. Sila ang nagdadala ng kita sa palengke, sila ang gumagawa ng mga produkto na proud tayong tawaging atin. Kapag pinalalakas natin sila, mas ramdam ng tao ang progreso dahil ang kabuhayan, hindi lang nasa malalaking kumpanya, kundi nasa bawat komunidad,” Legarda said.

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The observance of MSMEs Day on June 27 highlighted the vital role of small businesses in sustaining communities and driving inclusive growth. /cb