The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
President Duterte underlined the need to curb corruption to foster national development as well as the need to attend to Mindanao’s problems as he led last Thursday the awarding of Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs, which coincides with the commencement of the National Women’s Month.
The Chief Executive also underscored efforts of his administration to put a stop to corruption, which used to plague businesses.
“Those caught in corrupt practices. I told them “the first whiff of corruption… I am sorry you have to go,” Duterte said.
He also gave the example of some fire safety inspection officials who earned commissions on the side from fire control manufacturers by requiring additional fire extinguishers for businesses before issuing permits.
“You don’t know it but it’s really an odious practice actually. Stop it,” the President said.
Go Negosyo is the advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), a non-stock, non-profit organization that advocates for social change through entrepreneurship.
Go Negosyo recognized female entrepreneurs for their capacity to be catalysts for change and progress.
This year’s awardees include Corazon Dayro Ong (CDO Foodsphere); Mercedes Gotianun (Filinvest Development Corporation); Rosalind Wee (W Group of Companies); and Socorro Ramos (National Book Store).
Awardees in the medium-large category were Felicia Atienza (Chinese International School Manila); Ana De Ocampo (Wildflour Café and Bakery); Gina Lorenzana (Unilever Philippines); Anne Gonzalez (Terry S.A); Rebecca Mills (Chalre Associates); Sheree Gotuaco (Omnimoda International); Mary Ann Montemayor (Villa Margarita Hotel & Catering); and Evelyn Palomo (Great Image).
Also awarded were Honie Krizia Navor (HK Stone Craft Trading); Evellin Daytao (Daytao Native Cakes); Pamela Henares (BuroBuro Springs Vermi Farm); Imelda Dagus (Dennis Coffee Garden); Cherrie Atillano (AGREA); Ester Vitto (Bahag Footwear); Maria Lydia Lomibao (J. Emmanuel Pastries); and Arlene Mabute (Mabute Lumpia Wrapper and Cheese Stick Maker).
Awards were also given to Arizza Nocum (Kris Library and Good Karma Shirts); Felicitas Pontoja (Coffee for Peace); and Rachel De Villa (Cropital) for Inclusive Business; Pacita Juan (ECHOStore); Senator Cynthia Villar (Senate of the Philippines); and Doris Magsaysay-Ho (Magsaysay Maritime Corp.) as Women MSME Development Enablers..
In his speech, Duterte said the success of the awardees is proof that today’s women are given more equal opportunities and roles in society.
“Equality is more pronounced in our present time. More Filipinas are becoming leaders of their respective industries, contributing significantly to their institutions and making remarkable, major strides that uplift the living condition of their families and communities,” the President said.
As leaders in their respective field, Duterte said that women entrepreneurs are vital partners in nation-building and urged them to help in the country’s transformation towards becoming a regional and international economic leader.
“As our country continues to be the leading Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economy, where many of the businesses are owned by women, I hope that you will remain to be a vital partner in nation building,” he said.
“Further honed by your craft, grow your enterprises and nurture the sectors you serve. May you share with them your secrets to success, the positive attitude that made you win your battles and the principle that should not only be about can do’s but also must do’s. This will create a great impact on our country’s ongoing transformation,” Mr. Duterte said.
Lastly, he asked them to continue achieving better heights and to never stop making a difference in Philippine society.
“Together, let us make change work for women and make women work for change,” Duterte said.
The Palace also held “Digong’s Day for Women” last Friday, where the President said his administration is extending livelihood assistance to Filipino women.
The funds will be coursed through and managed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“But you have to attend a seminar,” he said, noting that the DTI’s Go Negosyo offers seminars for tailoring, for instance.
At the same time, he said he has increased the budget for agriculture and education to provide more sources of livelihood to the people.
And to demonstrate that his government is pro-women, the President said he designated women leaders to be part of his Cabinet, such as Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza.
The President said when he was Davao City mayor, he implemented policies intended to protect women. The Davao City government came up with a Women’s Code that was strictly followed.
There was also a law in the city against bigotry and discrimination to protect minorities from unfair treatment and practices, he said.
Participating agencies for Friday’s event provided several services to women, among them spa and wellness, legal consultation, distribution of medical and dental referral cards, as well as TESDA scholarships. They also had a tour of the Malacañang Museum and were given snacks and goodies.