Philippines Emerging as Asia's Growth Leader says DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque

• PH becomes one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, supported by entrepreneurs, labor, and consumer confidence 
• DTI Secretary Roque emphasized this during the Asia MSME Forum on March 27
• Roque, a former entrepreneur himself, understands the grit it takes to establish businesses

Speaking at the Asia MSME Forum, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque hailed Philippines as being enroute to becoming one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies due to strong consumer confidence, a dynamic labor market, and a new breed of resilient, innovative, albeit slightly reckless Filipino entrepreneurs.

"So much economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruptions all around the world, and the Philippines had to offer a different narrative. We at DTI have been witnesses to these transformations. My days as an entrepreneur have really awakened in me an understanding of the grit and determination it takes to build a business from the ground up," said Cristina.

Cristina has her argument intact regarding the five-point MSME agenda of DTI towards making an economically transformed country determinedly focused on making micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) more competitive and resilient. Aspects of the agenda would include digitalization and AI integration, through which businesses would be able to access the market and operate effectively.

An avenue for diversifying products and services would enable entrepreneurship after the changing demands of consumers. As a means to address financial constraints, it is refining its funding programs to give a value-added push to small business owners. Also, it promotes franchising as a growth and job generation scalable model and mentorship and education programs for building entrepreneurial skills.

There are even more stories that herald Roque with impact from such initiatives, including that of a sari-sari store owner from Davao, who became a regional chain; a Bicol mother who turned local abaca into a global fashion brand; and Cebuano cook, who now feeds thousands of customers in Southeast Asia through his e-commerce platform. "These stories are no longer rare-they're multiplying because government, businesses, and civil society are coming together and trying to create an environment where thriving leads for MSMEs," said Cristina.

DTI's Negosyo Centres reached out to 1.5 million entrepreneurs via training, mentorship, and better access to financing in 2024. The likes of programs such as SheTrades PH and initiatives on digitalization have likewise enabled MSMEs to access international markets. In a nation where 99.6 percent of its businesses are MSMEs-62 percent of which is women-led-MSMEs create a significant portion of the economic engine.

 She urged that Roque serve as a baseline to incite efforts in engaging the continuing goal of supporting every Filipino entrepreneur, ensuring that under the stewardship of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., businesses of all sizes have the right to succeed and grow.