For leaders in Biñan City, Laguna, it is the entrepreneurs who serve as the primary movers of the city’s vibrant economy.
And to honor and encourage the spirit of enterprise in the city, the Biñan City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) once again launched its “Sari-Sari Store Congress” at the Alonte Sports Arena from November 12 to 14.
The three-day activity, which was part of the third Biñan Business Week, aimed to bring sari-sari store owners in Biñan City and nearby cities together, as well as present them with unique opportunities to showcase and expand their businesses.
“Ang aktibidad na ito ay hitik sa iba’t ibang mga programa at mga seminar na kung saan ay tiyak na maraming natutuhan ang ating mga negosyanteng Biñanense,” Atty. Edward Arriba, head of the BPLO, told OpinYon Laguna.
For the BPLO, which was recently chosen as one of the Best BPLOs at the 2nd Gawad Luntian Awards of the National Association of Business Permit and Licensing Officers (NABPLO), the activity was also the ideal venue to express the LGU’s gratitude to entrepreneurs for their contributions to the city’s economy.
Mayor Gel Alonte himself expressed it ideally when he said in his speech, “Maraming-maraming salamat po sa lahat ng taxpayers. Kung wala po kayo, wala po yung mga programang ginagawa po namin dito sa lungsod ng Biñan.”
The three-day Sari-Sari Store Congress event featured lectures and seminars from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as well as private businesses, which aims to teach sari-sari store owners and retailers on access to funding and other services.
To inspire entrepreneurs and wannabe entrepreneurs, the Sari-Sari Store Congress also showcased success stories by entrepreneurs and franchisers from Biñan City and elsewhere.
Speakers include Julie Ann Eneria of Ms. Tsung Essentials and Mavie Lacayan of Kare-Kare ni Balat, who shared their journey to their successful careers as well as the challenges they faced in growing their businesses.
Of course, there were raffles and contests for attendees in which lucky winners received business and sari-sari store packages.
For officials of the DTI, the event highlights the vital role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who have helped Biñan City achieve its place in the province as one of its economic powerhouses.
“Today's events, the Sari-Sari Store Congress and the Biñan Franchise Expo, truly highlight the heart of our local enterprise. From the small Sari-Sari Store owner who serves the community every day, to the aspiring franchisee dreaming of their first outlet, this celebration gives every entrepreneur a space to learn, grow, and dream bigger,” DTI–Laguna Provincial Director Christian Ted Tungohan said during the event.
(Photo by Catherine Go)
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