by Noy Adaram
The Trade and Commerce committees of the Cagayan de Oro 20th City Council and Misamis Oriental 19th Provincial Board chaired by 1st District Councilor George Goking and 2nd District Board Member Princess Emano respectively are set to hold a joint committee meeting to help the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
BM Emano announced the collaboration during their 87th regular session on Monday, May 06.
In an interview with Mindanao Daily after the adjournment of their 79th regular session in the plenary hall of the City Council on the same day of the announcement, Coun. Goking said he is “happy” with the initiative and invitation of BM Emano.
He added that aside from this is parallel to the economic recovery plan of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s CdeO RISE governance platform and single-digit poverty incidence (SDPI) target of Misamis Oriental Governor Peter “Sr. Pedro” M. Unabia’s PAGLAUM MisOr strategic direction, it is about time that the common struggle challenging MSMEs be tackled.
Coun. Goking revealed that MSMEs are not being immediately trusted by many banks when applicants apply for a loan to gain capital. He does not blame the financial institutions, however, due to the risks but emphasizes the developments in the economy and opportunities for many people that will be missed.
Coun. Goking shared that MSMEs are “pillars” to our prosperity which is why he will take this opportunity – a cooperation he describes “historical” noting that CdeO City is independently administered from the MisOr provincial government – to mediate with the businessmen and lenders in order for both sectors to unleash its potential for the locality.
More collaborations of the city hall and provincial capitol are expected not just because of the closeness of each of its own chief executive and for political gain but to truly empower the people.
