Bank of the Philippine Islands, through its retail-lending arm BPI Family Savings Bank, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently entered a partnership agreement to help promote the growth of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs).
Under the partnership, BPI Family Savings Bank will work closely with over 300 DTI Negosyo Centers, in assisting would be and existing entrepreneurs by providing the knowledge, skills and tools needed to start and sustain a business.
Ma. Cristina L. Go, BPI’s Retail Lending Head shared, “It is our belief that awareness and education on how to put up a business and how to succeed in business will give more Filipinos confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. We all need that extra push to make the jump – that confidence coming from knowing more, learning more, not just from family and friends but from experts will encourage Filipinos to finally make that step.”
“This is why we, in BPI Family Savings Bank, realize the important role we play in entrepreneurship and the need to be the government’s partner in this endeavor said Go.
DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya welcomed the new partnership in light of the demands of small enterprises. “We welcome the partnership because it opens doors not only for would-be entrepreneurs but also for those who are ready for growth. We need all the assistance to capacitate small enterprises to stand on their feet, and build sustainable business operations.”
Maglaya added that “DTI needs the help of partners like BPI who can really mentor MSMEs so that our entrepreneurs could make good decisions and push their business forward.”
In line with Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, the Trade Department established Negosyo Centers in the country to serve as one-stop shops to help MSMEs grow and sustain their businesses.