Upgrade, Upskill, and Upsize: Empowering MSMEs towards sustainable business practices at Tatag Matatag na Negosyo conference

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Coca-Cola Philippines gathered micro-entrepreneurs in a conference at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City, which aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with entrepreneurial capacity-building, increased access to networks, and business resources.

The event “Tatak Matatag na Negosyo: “Upgrade, Upskill, and Upsize the Micro-Retail Sector” brought together leaders from DTI, TESDA, Coca-Cola Philippines, corporate partners, and non-government organizations to strengthen and encourage the growth of MSMEs, in line with the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises or RA 9501.

This public-private initiative recognizes the retail sector as a key economic engine that gives Filipinos opportunities for livelihood and employment. It offers MSMEs a forum to learn about sustainable business practices, trade innovations, and finance.

Coca-Cola Philippines and DTI launched Tatak Matatag na Negosyo in 2021 to assist MSMEs in becoming future-proof, resilient, and sustainable. This coalition of government agencies, microfinance institutions, civil society organizations, and business corporations has been promoting long-term MSME growth by providing capacity-building support and creating a sustainable environment wherein micro-retailers can thrive.

“Micro retailers are the lifeblood of our communities. They are the corner sari-sari stores, the small market vendors, and the neighborhood food stalls that cater to our everyday needs,” said Trade Undersecretary Bles Lantayona. “They are the ones who know us by name, who provide personalized service, and who build strong connections with their customers. It is my firm belief that every entrepreneur, particularly micro retailers, has the potential to be a trailblazer—to carry a Tatak of Matatag na Negosyo that inspires others, transforms communities, and strengthens our economy,” she added.

On behalf of Coca-Cola Philippines, Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Director of the East Region of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Operating Unit reinforced the company’s commitment to help boost the MSME sector through socio-economic programs such as the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources or STAR Program. The initiative, which has been digitalized with the ‘iSTAR program”, has empowered more than 270,000 micro-entrepreneurs to learn business skills, improve their self-confidence, and create economic opportunities for their families and communities since its inception in 2011.

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario also affirmed that the company will continue working with the government to provide a more conducive environment for small businesses. “MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy, accounting for more than 99% of business establishments in the country. These enterprises, especially micro retailers, make Coca-Cola products more accessible to consumers and bring Real Magic to everyday life,” he said.

“With this, we at Coca-Cola Philippines are steadfast in our commitment to fostering their growth and success by equipping them with relevant skills and tools to thrive in their business. We are pleased to have forged strategic collaborations with DTI, TESDA, and corporate partners to empower these microentrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive in their business endeavors.”

TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta said Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu wants to implement the program in Mindanao to help the micro retailers.

“First in the Secretary’s 10-point agenda is to reach 42,000 barangays and provide them with livelihood training programs. Another one in the 10-point agenda is skills development through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program,” she said.

The event had panel discussions from corporate co-presenters that provided participants with fresh learnings and practical ways to sustain the growth of their business and shed light on the role of the private sector in providing innovative solutions to MSMEs.

More than an e-wallet, GCash empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take on opportunities and navigate through the digital economy through its fintech solutions, namely GLoan which provides instant cash loans to kickstart business goals; and GInsure, through Negosyo Insure of its partner, Malayan Insurance, to protect hard-earned investments. Business owners can also enjoy seamless payment experiences with Scan-To-Pay, enabling easy QR code payments offline.

“We are one with the DTI, TESDA, and our business partners in empowering MSMEs—making sure they won’t be left behind in the fast-growing digital economy. In line with its vision of ‘Finance for All’, GCash is committed to being a solid partner in helping sari-sari store owners and other micro-enterprises thrive through innovative and accessible digital solutions,” said Gilda Maquilan, GCash VP for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.

Meanwhile, Unilever Philippines discussed how it brings to life its commitment to a fairer, and more socially inclusive world through the Kabisig Summit, which directly impacts the livelihoods of sari-sari store owners across the country.

“We are proud to be social empowerment advocates alongside DTI, TESDA, and our partners from the business sector as we work together further to strengthen our Sari-Sari Stores and the micro-retailer sector, shared Unilever Philippines Sustainability Lead Rondell Torres. “From even before the pandemic until today, the Kabisig Program remains Unilever’s flagship platform to build resilient and sustainable stores – Tatak na Matatag na Negosyo na Sama-Sama, Tulong-Tulong para lahat umunlad.”

DTI, TESDA, and Coca-Cola Philippines, along with partners, recognize MSMEs as essential partners in economic growth. Tatak Matatag na Negosyo supports micro-retailers by guiding them toward becoming sustainable and resilient businesses. It also strengthens the capabilities of micro-stores created to help micro-retailers, particularly sari-sari stores, carinderias, mini bakeries, and stalls, improve their business operations and entrepreneurial skills.