WITH the present administration’s thrust to propel the country towards economic recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is at the forefront of spurring inclusive economic activity, among others, through the strengthening of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which is noted to be the backbone of the economy.
It is in this premise that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the Misamis Oriental provincial government signed an agreement to hasten the applications of MSMEs in the regulatory body.
FDA director general Samuel Zacate and Gov. Peter Unabia formalized the agreement November 27 at the provincial capitol compound.
“In order for this endeavor to come into fruition, the whole-of-government approach calls upon the different branches of the government to come together for this purpose,” remarked FDA Mindanao cluster head Deborah Legaspi.
FDA recognízes the need to promote, support, strengthen and encourage the growth and development of MSMEs.
As a regulatory agency, the FDA can contribute by regulating establishments and their products, as most of them occupy a big share in the market and are accessed by consumers.
With this initiative, the agency can contribute by providing technical assistance and capacity building activities to equip the MSMEs and make them competitive without compromising the safety, quality and efficacy of the products they produce.
Through the FDA director general’s directive, the Bigyang Halaga Bangon MSME was conceptualized, initiated and implemented.
This is a project of FDA engaging primarilythe identified local government units (LGUs).
For his part, Unabia committed to establish a shared service facility for the purpose.
“We can help identify the MSMEs and endorse them to the FDA for the application of their certificate of product registration,” Unabia said.
The governor also told Capitol department heads present in the program to assist the MSMEs’ quest.
“The ultimate goal is to open the doors for and boost our MSMEs to market their products locally and abroad. Showcasing our local products to the international market will help propel the business and economic growth of the country. We have to provide an enablingenvironment for our MSMEs since this is now at the forefront of the discussions in theASEAN,” Legaspi said.
