BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO
SIQUIJOR, March 17 (PIA) -- Economic
drivers...catalyst for local business growth. This is what Siquijor Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCII) is and what it should be.
Provincial Science and Technology
director Mario de la Pena lauded SCCII as a “very strong, highly recognized and
well respected organization” in the province even as he challenged them to
adopt strategies that will make them more effective in support to the drive for
a globally competitive Siquijor.
Speaking at the SCCII’s 24th
anniversary, de la Pena said the association, in partnership with the
government, academe, non government organizations, and other business
organizations can do a lot of things for Siquijor.
Among these are the promotion and
growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through capability
building, national and international networking and policy reform initiatives
that improves the business climate and sustain socio-economic development in
the province.
De la Pena specifically calls SCCII to
facilitate linking MSME’s with the Siquijor State College and work closer
together to initiate Research and Development (R&D) undertakings.
“Supplying the professionals needed
would be a contribution of the academe in bringing in more foreign direct
investments,” he said.
The SCCII, he added, should also
initiate the crafting of resolutions for submission to the Regional Development
Council (RDC) or any government organizations covering areas on agriculture and
food security, climate change adaptation, ecological integrity, energy and
power development, good governance, human development, ICT and
Services, among others.
While lauding SCCII’s services that
address various business needs and strengthen Siquijor's business community, de
la Pena also sees the need to strengthen capabilities of its members.
This he said, can be done through
advocacy, linkages and synergy moving towards global competitiveness of the
province and the people.
The DOST, he also noted, had been very
helpful to MSME’s in the province.
“There are MSMEs who become
beneficiaries of the DOST’s Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program
(SETUP) program,” he said while announcing the program coverage that includes
upgrading of production equipment of the following sectors--Food Processing,
Furniture, Metals and Engineering, Gift and Holiday Decors, Marine and Aquatic
resources, ICT, Horticulture and Agriculture and Health Products and
services/ Pharmaceuticals.
In closing, de la Pena commended Engr. Kenneth Patria for
his exemplary leadership and enthusiasm in heading the institution to a more
active and visible organization. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)