EDITORIAL

Solution vs unemployment

YES, Virginia, there is a solution to the growing number of unemployed in the country.

Instead of relying on the business process outsourcing industry to boost the country's workforce, the Aquino administration should strengthen the micro-small-medium enterprise sector as it is the best way to provide jobs to Filipinos.

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey puts 11.3 million Filipinos without work in March, 1.4 million more from the 9.9 million Filipinos reported jobless in the November survey.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, during the recent 6th Puregold Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Convention at the World , emphasized the importance of MSMEs, such as sari-sari stores, to economic growth.

According to Binay, data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showed that in 2009, MSMEs created 3.5 million jobs or 63.2 percent of the total jobs generated by all types of business establishments that year.

With the help of private organizations, Binay said the Aquino government would be able to provide gainful employment and economic opportunities for the Filipino people so that overseas employment will eventually become a matter of choice and not necessity.

It seems that only Binay is providing the only bright spot for the Aquino government. Keep it up Mr. Vice President and you'll end up the No. 1 man in 2016.

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Speaking of the 6th Puregold Sari-Sari Convention, Puregold marketing manager Kelvin Kuan reported that the event held last May 18-21 was a huge successs.

Kuan said the event’s mission of giving people a chance to have their own small business, avail discounted products and gain knowledge on how to expand their livelihood through seminars were all accomplished.

Kuan added that thousands of Tindahan ni Aling Puring members and non-members alike flocked to the convention to participate and also enjoy the free samples from more than 200 trade partners and 350 booths.

The four-day event which carried the theme “SIKAP - Sari-sari Store, Itaguyod Kasama ang Puregold” is expected to equal, if not top, last year’s record of 35,000  attendees.

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Attendees were also treated to a star-studded affair with celebrities like Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Ruby Rodriguez, Jose Manalo, Boy Abunda, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, KC Concepcion, Mara Clara teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, singer Jonalyn Viray, Giselle Sanchez and Suzy Abrera.

Providing the entertainment during the Appreciation Night were Allan K, Julia Clarete, Aicelle Santos and Sitti.

Kuan is hoping that participants can implement what they’ve learned during the seminars and sessions led by some prominent names in the business sector, including Dr. Francisco Colayco, Chinkee Tan, Francis Kong, Lloyd Luna and Jojo Baldo.

Also a hit during the convention was Puregold’s special booth for overseas Filipino workers and their families, according to Kuan.

During the convention, Puregold has provided OFWs and their families the opportunity to start their own business with a small capital.