GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Delegates from Soccsksargen gathered at the prestigious awarding ceremony for the “2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs and the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners.”
The event held on July 10 at Malacañan Palace celebrated excellence in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and recognized impactful programs that enhance the business climate in support of MSME growth.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the MSMEs for their remarkable achievements during the awards ceremony.
“We are here today for a very important commemoration as we recognize the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners,” said Marcos Jr. in his speech for the event.
The president also led the awarding of the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners for institutions with remarkable programs and services supporting MSMEs.
Among the distinguished awardees were the local governments of Midsayap and General Santos City, including The Center for Community Transformation (CCT) Ministry Among Tribespeople, Inc., based in Malungon, Sarangani.
Mayor Rolly Sacdalan, on behalf of the municipal government, accepted the award for “Outstanding Development Partner for Mindanao for Improving Business Climate.”
The municipality received acclaim for its innovative “One Barangay, One Product” program.
The One Barangay, One Product, or OBOP program in Midsayap aims to promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities, with the town’s 44 barangays identifying a flagship product or service.
The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Division (LEDIPD), which is in charge of the program, ensures that MSMEs receive a comprehensive support package that includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies, and marketing assistance.
Meanwhile, the city government of General Santos received recognition as the “Outstanding Development Partner for Mindanao for Improving Access to Markets.”
Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao received the award, accompanied by Liga ng Barangay (LnB) President Bobby Pacquiao and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) General Santos City Satellite Office Caretaker Eddie De Asis.
The accolade can be attributed primarily to YAMAN Gensan, which played a pivotal role in connecting businesses to wider markets.
YAMAN Gensan, which means “Yabong Maliliit na Negosyo sa Gensan,” is an annual, month-long event in the city that pays tribute to local entrepreneurs and MSMEs for their contributions to the local economy while also recognizing and addressing their growing needs.
The General Santos City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) supervises the conduct of YAMAN Gensan in collaboration with the DTI.
On the other hand, the CCT Ministry Among Tribespeople Inc. received recognition for “Enhancing Management and Labor Capabilities” due to its efforts at the CCT Malungon Retreat and Training Center (MRTC), which have strengthened its IP workforce.
Executive Director Lalaine Erquiza Naquita, Chairperson of the Board Michelle Lopez-Solon, and DTI Sarangani Provincial Director Ethel Laksmi Gumana accepted the well-deserved recognition.
The CCT Ministry Among Tribespeople Inc. operates the CCT MRTC, which empowers tribal communities through a range of TechVoc programs.
These programs offer skills training and livelihood development. Moreover, the center facilitates access to information and technology, enhancing land productivity and safeguarding ancestral domains.
CCT MRTC also generates income to support various outreach initiatives that benefit tribal communities.
DTI’s MSME Development Group, under the leadership of Usec. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, spearheads the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs through the MSME Development Council Secretariat and Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.
Republic Act 9501, also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs, established the Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs, initially introduced as the Outstanding MSME Awards at the National MSME Summit in 2023.
According to DTI, the commendations underscored the vital role of MSMEs and collaborative partnerships in driving economic growth. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/DTI Region 12/PIA SarGen)
