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Keynote Speech at the Parañaque Business ConferenceNovember 24, 2006
Forum Hall, Casino Filipino - Ninoy Aquino Ave., Parañaque City It's indeed an honor to be with captains of business and industry of Parañaque this afternoon. It can be said in more ways than one that in your hands, in the hands of those who are bold enough to establish enterprises that create wealth lay the hope of our economy. Our business community has consistently delivered and has provided for our citizens and country at times when we most need them. Hence, it is only fair for you to ask and expect that we in the government does its share in moving this country forward. Allow me to discuss the programs and projects of the Department of Trade and Industry in the National Capital Region. The National Capital Region (NCR) has emerged to be an avenue for the meaningful dynamics of three sectors: the businessmen, consumers, and the government. It accounts for almost 40% registered business nationwide and still growing. Business Sector To sum: in every town or municipality in the country, one unique product stands out. This is the One Town, One Product Philippines (OTOP). The OTOP Program assists micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage. What does Parañaque boasts of? What is the product that you, as the people of Parañaque would like to be associated to? Many things have been proposed to serve as the OTOP of Parañaque. But nonetheless, one of them stands out: the traditions and culture of old Parañaque, primarily the Sunduan. Sunduan is another celebration unique to Parañaque. It conveys the message that people of Parañaque are romantic, and that they regard their women with love and respect. The business of making Filipiniana dolls opens a lot of livelihood opportunities. Sold to tourists, visitors and guests, these Filipiniana dolls can help many people serve food on their tables and live decent lives. Consumer Sector Giving outmost importance to consumer welfare generates a lot of benefits. Sophisticated consumers push companies to improve their products and services. For businesses, setting up Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) is a surefire formula for building consumer patronage. Reputable firms attest to the fact that consumers who complained about their problem and received satisfactory results exhibited the highest degree of continued loyalty. Obviously, CWDs are made for the consumers. Government There would be no smooth relationship between the business and the consumer sectors without the reasonable intervention of the government. Thus, we see to it that laws are implemented to assure the welfare of consumers and at the same time further support our businesses towards economic growth. The Department of Trade and Industry is mandated to be the primary coordinative, promotive, facilitative and regulatory arm of the government for the country's trade, industry, and investment activities. Also, we shall act as catalyst for intensified private sector activity in order to accelerate and sustain economic growth. What I see here now is dynamism in a progressive city. Major sectors are represented to interact with one another: the business, the consumer, and the government sector. In this light, I have given you thoughts to ponder on: OTOP, and CWDs. The business sector should move forward to harness Parañaque's products, people, and other resources. Parañaque's dedicated local government is one of the key factors that would ensure the success of the business sector's entrepreneurial activities. Move forward and carefully evaluate what Parañaque stands for. I encourage businessmen to collaborate with the local officials in promoting your selected OTOP. Consumers must remain vigilant. There are the laws and government support that they need. It is also your responsibility as consumers to be aware of the venues, like CWDs, where you could express your insights and opinions on certain business practices or establishments. I hope Parañaque will be one of the cities that care for the welfare of consumers. We in the national government wish to closely work with Parañaque's local officials. This collaboration would further strengthen businesses and at the same time promote consumer welfare. I urge everyone to be cooperative with the government. Cooperation of the business and consumer sectors with the government is a sure way to sustain local and global competitiveness. As early as now, I would like to congratulate everyone in this convergence of the business sector, the local and national government, and consumer sector in gathering in one venue to tackle the challenges confronting not only Parañaque but the nation as well.
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