Sarangani advocates "negosyo"

By Beverly Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 14, 2009) – Sarangani officials cited the strong partnership between government and the private sector in making successful communities to engage in entrepreneurship.

Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon pointed out one of the pillars in any successful communities or provinces is the promotion of the private sector, specifically in encouraging small businesses to grow.

As he formally opened this year’s celebration of the locally expanded version of the Small and Medium Enterprise Week dubbed here as United towards a Strong Wealthy And Globally competitive Sarangani (USWAG) on Monday (July 13), Solon said the event should pay tribute to the contribution of the private sector in the community.

While he accounted a big portion of graduates every year applying for jobs with local government units, he likewise pushed for the vibrancy of the private sector which could give graduates option for better employment.

Anchored on the theme “Negosyo, Kaya Mo,” the USWAG celebration this year, according to SMED council chairman Alfredo Hebrona Jr., promotes entrepreneurship as an alternative to prepare for one’s retirement even for those employed in government agencies.

“We should have other means,” he said.

“We need to encourage businesses to grow in Sarangani so that we can collect more taxes and the government would have more funds and more resources to implement projects and pursue development,” Hebrona added.

He noted that as long as the private sector is involved, entrepreneurs would be improving what is more relevant to the needs of the people in encouraging entrepreneurship. He said the collaboration between the government and private groups here would eventually redound to the development of Sarangani.

Engr. Nenita Barroso, Department of Trade and Industry provincial director, said the supposed week-long national celebration of the SMED week here is extended. Activities are spread until the end of the month of July to accommodate activities and trainings aimed at developing and improving small and medium enterprises.

USWAG is already on its fifth year which started in 2005 pursuant to Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 5-053 adopting USWAG celebration as a socio-economic activity in Sarangani Province.

“USWAG is a mechanism to muster the efforts of micro, small and medium enterprises, national government agencies, local government units and the private sector towards MSME promotion and development,” Barroso said. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)