Large or small, industrial or commercial, it is the various business enterprises that are the backbone not only of the local economy but also of local governance.
That was the message of the city government of San Pedro, Laguna led by Mayor Art Mercado as it feted the various businesses which have contributed to the city’s economic growth, at an event held last December 11 at the Takara Hotel and Events Place.
Aside from the city's Top 100 Taxpayers (headlined by Alaska Milk Corporation, LJ Industrial Fabrication, and Monark Equipment Corporation), the city government also honored microbusinesses with the "most valued contributions" to the city's economy.
These include Rita's Sari-Sari Store, Mary Ann and Agnes bakery, Lito and Mila Vegetables Retailer, Meren's Eatery, and Omac Barbershop.
The LGU also bestowed recognition to San Pedro City's oldest business establishments, led by the San Pedro Universal Bakery, Maciang's Pancitan, and FourAce Candy Manufacturing (all of whom have served San Pedrenses for over 75 years).
Certain barangays such as Pacita 1, Pacita 2, Santo Niño, Calendola, Rosario and Poblacion were also feted as "most advocating barangays," or barangays who have fostered the growth of business establishments in San Pedro City.
Focus on small businesses
“Naisip po namin na bigyan ng recognition ang mga microbusiness na nakapag-contribute rin naman sa ating lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pagbabayad ng buwis. This year, sila po ang binigyan natin ng highlight,” Elsa Santos, head of the San Pedro City Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), explained to OpinYon Laguna.
Santos added that the event was organized in order for the LGU to express their gratitude to the taxpayers who fund the city’s major programs and projects that, in turn, benefits San Pedrenses from all walks of life.
“Ang mga business po na ito ang pinakamalaking contributor sa local revenue ng ating lungsod. At ito po ay malaking tulong sa pagpapatupad sa mga programa ni Mayor Art Mercado,” she said.
Through honoring small business enterprises, the BPLO head also expressed the hope that they will be motivated and encouraged to expand their businesses.
“Gusto po naming iparamdam at iparating sa mga micro-business na hindi po kayo maliit lang, mababa na talaga kayo, meron kayong possibility na lumaki, na mag-develop ang business ninyo. Hindi lang, hindi ko porket nasa maliit kayo, parang feeling niyo, ‘sari-sari store lang kami.’ Kahit kayong maliit na business, malaki pa rin ang naitutulong ninyo sa city,” she emphasized.
Santos also stressed the vital role barangays played in encouraging entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in San Pedro City, a key factor why they were included in this year’s recognition.
“Ang mga barangay po na pinarangalan natin ay very supportive, lalo na po sa compliance sa ating mga rules and regulations. Sila po ang nagiging daan para ang ating mga establisyimento ay sumunod sa mga patakaran hindi lamang ng BPLO kundi pati na rin in general, kagaya ng sa mga isyu sa parking o di kaya ay noise regulations,” she said.
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