Category: Business Mirror

I study the Philippine economy and find myself split between cautious optimism and a tear in my eye when I survey the economic trajectory. Part of me nods at the progress, the other part shakes its head at the same old barriers. The government has worked overtime to lure investment and sell a story of resilience. But whether that story survives 2025 is a different question.

The ‘2025 Philippines Investment Climate Statement’ published in September 2025 by the US Department of State offers some insight into foreign thinking and evaluation. Note that any and all government assessments are biased for its own self-interest. But we need to know what they are thinking.

Let us start with the positives. The Philippines’ macro fundamentals are solid enough that ‘While potential challenges from global economic headwinds could impact the economy in 2025, sovereign credit ratings remain at investment grade, supported by the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals.’

In 2024, real GDP growth clocked in at 5.6 percent. That came short of the administration’s 6.0-6.5 percent target, but that outcome is not embarrassing. ‘High inflation and interest rates, extreme weather events, and weak global demand for Philippine exports weighed on economic growth,’ says the Department of State.

However, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stagnated as usual: net inflows in 2024 stood at about $9 billion, virtually unchanged from the prior year. That suggests the underlying incentives are not powerful enough-or the external environment not friendly enough-to drive a money surge. A fancy red carpet at the airport will not help if investors see potholes on the highway to the hotel.

In November 2024 the government passed the marquee CREATE MORE Act, extending tax incentives up to 27 years, adding deductions, clarifying VAT zero-rating rules, and aiming to streamline local tax regimes.

These moves improve predictability and look attractive on paper. But no incentive can disguise the same old obstacles: crumbling infrastructure, expensive power, clogged logistics, muddy regulation, and courts that crawl. ‘Foreign investors describe the inefficiency and uncertainty of the judicial system as a significant barrier to investment’. Without competent regulators, real checks on corruption, and permits that do not take a lifetime, laws alone are lipstick on the pig.

The Marcos administration’s infrastructure drive could help if corruption does not chew it to pieces. But credibility comes from results, not photo ops. Right now, building a major project still means chasing 157 signatures from barangay to Cabinet-plus handing out enough Christmas fruit baskets to stock a supermarket.’Business registration in the Philippines is cumbersome due to multiple agencies involved in the process. The government has taken steps to address these issues, but the business registration and permitting processes remain an irritant to investors.’

And even if you survive that gauntlet, a bigger wall looms: family-owned conglomerates that dominate industries and guard their turf with capital, distribution channels, and political ties. Toss in regulatory flip-flops and local meddling, and the message to outsiders is clear- welcome, but do not expect to play on equal terms.

From a 2025 perspective, the Philippines must calculate against several threats. First, global growth is softening, particularly in advanced economies. Demand for electronics, BPO services, and export goods may weaken. Second, monetary policy in the US and elsewhere may remain confused, pressuring capital flows into other emerging markets. Third, climate risk is not a footnote-it is a central economic risk. Typhoons, floodings, and storms are real drag factors on infrastructure, agriculture, and investor confidence.

Still, the Philippines has latent strength. Remittances and the BPO sector will remain cushions no matter all the gloom-and-doom talk.

The Philippines therefore faces a paradox: the scaffolding of growth is sturdier than a decade ago, but the winds against it are stronger. Global softness, climate disruption, and fragile governance systems pose real threats. The country is not in crisis, but it is walking a tightrope where balance depends less on external goodwill and more on domestic execution.

The bottom line is straightforward: the Philippines is neither a disaster nor a miracle. The domestic market is large, the demographics are favorable, and the services sector continues to expand. Yet the same decades old obstacles persist.

Investors should pay attention, but with both eyes open. The opportunities are real, but so are the traps. The winners will be those who engage selectively, measure risks precisely, and rely on analysis rather than on any government narratives.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

The flood control scandal has become the hottest topic today in the country because it has affected a lot of Filipinos regardless of social status.

Whether it’s real, imagined, real, incomplete or ghost projects, the flood control projects have become familiar to a lot of Filipinos, according to Guillermo Luz, chairperson of Liveable Cities Philippines and chief resilience officer of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

He adds it’s exhausting the people’s patience. ‘And what is most alarming is that many of the hardest hit structures were in areas supposedly protected by flood control projects themselves,’ says Luz during the recent Liveable Cities Lab on Rethinking Flood Resilience through Sustainable Urban Planning forum.

A smorgasbord plan

In his talk organized by the Liveable Cities Lab on Rethinking Flood Resilience through Sustainable Urban Planning, prominent urban planner Dr. Nathaniel von Einsiedel, the principal planner of CONCEP Inc. laments that the country is adopting an agglomerate approach in the flood management plan. ‘We don’t have a National Integrated Flood Management policy master plan. What we have is a hodgepodge of water-related policies and plants and offices, says Einsiedel, who also served as the first Commissioner for Planning of the Metro Manila Commission.

‘And what is interesting, and this is something that’s at the bottom of the list is the river basin control office under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. There are 18 River Basin Development Councils in the Philippines, but for some reason, they never convene,’ adds Einsiedel.

Einsiedel describes the current scenario as very fragmented, inadequate and lacking in interjurisdictional collaboration. Right now, the government’s approach is to build gray infrastructure such as the reservoir levees, flood walls, flood gates, sea walls, etc. Nevertheless, these infrastructure are very expensive, but as we all have been a source of illegal wealth for some people.

Besides, these major infrastructure projects disturb the land and disrupt the natural flow of water. ‘When you change the route of a river, you hasten the flow, and once the speed of water accelerates, it erodes the sides of it,’ he points out.

Moreover, Einsiedel says infrastructure requires regular maintenance, and the Philippine government is not very well known for effective maintenance. He also warns that it creates a false sense of security among the people. ‘We need to rethink the existing approach to flood management and to shift from the traditional two things that are at the forefront of mitigating flood hazards-floodplains and stormwater management.

He adds that the people also need to understand that flooding is a natural curse. Flood damage occurs only when human beings interfere with the natural flooding process by one altering the water course, for example, developing areas in the upstream of the watershed, and cutting down forests in the mountains.

As far as subdivisions are concerned, the problem is that the drainage plants of subdivisions are limited only to the boundary of their subdivision. ‘They don’t bother to collect where the outfalls are, which is a local government unit (LGU) responsibility. Now another problem is the alteration of the water course, because this should not be allowed,’ says Einsiedel.

In fact, when property owners buy a lot and it’s supposed to be depressed,, the traditional approach is the tambak method. It’s just actually just transferring the flood water to the area outside the property.

If there’s an existing flood management policy, that practice should not be allowed. In case it can be allowed, the developers have to get the permit. They also have to show that it will not alter the natural flow of water.

Stormwater management

Unlike rural areas that have a lot of previous open space that can absorb rainwater, urban areas have a lot of roads which cannot absorb rainwater. The rainwater is conducted through culverts, and they’re conducted to the lowest areas, and they cause flash floods.

‘Most of our towns and cities have conventional drainage systems that are limited mainly to the population areas, and many of them, or most of them, actually have not considered the additional volume of water caused by climate change,’ says Einsiedel.

Although there is a template that they follow based on the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development guidelines, Einsiedel says they don’t really translate this into storm water management systems, and mostly they rely on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to do the flood control plans for the jurisdictions.

‘If we are to solve the problem of flooding, we need to understand that this is a natural occurrence, and that we need to study the location, the specific conditions of the place where we need to come up with the floodplain management system and the stormwater management system,’ Einsiedel points out.

What distinguishes today’s society is its continually-shifting landscapes. Never in humanity’s history has there been a generation where trends, mindsets and ways of doing things change every so often. In fact, social media and the use of artificial intelligence further enhanced these shifts. And since change is inevitable, sales leaders must be equipped and ready to step outside their comfort zones any time, every time.

Here are three things every sales leaders must keep in mind in traversing the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous business and work landscapes.

Know that excuses are for losers

Heraclitus, the Ancient Greek philosopher, famously remarked that ‘the only thing constant is change.’ It was true then, and it’s even more rampant now. Hence, sales leaders must be prepared for it. The worse that can happen is to sit and simply wait for change to come. Remember this-as sales leaders, we are not mere spectators, but movers and shakers of economy. We don’t wait for change to happen, we prepare and plan for it in order to gain victory. Winners never dwell on excuses, and that’s why we never play the blame game.

Embrace change

The ability to embrace change is a mark of every successful sales leader. Therefore, the capacity to constantly step outside one’s comfort zone is an essential ingredient for sales leaders. Develop the habit of planning ahead by thinking outside-the-box and adopting a break-the-ceiling mindset. Learn from Kodak and Nokia who used to dominate the film and cellphone markets, respectively. Leaders from these companies failed to embrace change which eventually led to the downfall of these organizations. They already knew that change was in the near horizon, but they refused to accept its reality. So what do we need to do? Embrace change.

Lead change

They say that offense is the best defense. The same is true in dealing with change. Instead of simply planning for adaptation measures, lead change by crafting new directions. Sales leaders disrupt markets by introducing change. Go ahead and be proactive and innovate, and change the rules of the game. Instead of just going with the bandwagon, become the trailblazer. When asked why I wrote the book ‘The Effective Seller,’ my response was a quote from Toni Morrison-‘If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.’ This encapsulates my point: lead the change.

Alexey Rola Cajilig is the Founder, President and CEO of ARCWAY Consultancy Inc., and Senior Vice President and COO of EM-CORE DOTNET Inc. He is a Sales Leadership Coach, Strategic Sales Operations Consultant, Christian Motivational Speaker, Human Ecologist and Author of Life is a Classroom, The Effective Seller, Solving the Sales Puzzle and Practical Market Intelligence. He is also the creator of ARCH Styles, a behavioral and personality assessment and discovery tool. If you have questions and suggestions, you may connect with him at https://www.facebook.com/coachlexey and at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexey-rola-cajilig.

Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc., a subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., said it will produce more electronic components for smartphones and cars in its new building which will start operations this month.

‘Actually, we will inaugurate the building on October 22. That’s our fourth building. So, the size of the building is 100 by 300 meters. It has two floors,’ Janet Inocencio, deputy general manager of Philippine Manufacturing told the BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the press briefing organized by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi) last week. Once operational, Inocencio said the electronics maker is hoping to double the current number of its employees.

‘So, the current headcount at Murata is 4,300. And once the last building starts operations, the target would be around 8,000 to 10,000 people.’ Inocencio said this new building will manufacture more Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC), the electronic components used in modern devices.

‘Our product is 100 percent for export. The application of our MLCC is for automotive and smartphones.’

This is the fourth building of Murata in the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Tanauan, Batangas.

Inocencio said the Kyoto-based electronics manufacturer poured P4.4 billion into the construction of the new building.

As for the exports outlook of the company for this year, Inocencio said she expects to see gains because of its recent expansion.

‘Although we felt there was a tightening of the belt, but still, we’re good. The future of electronics and semiconductor industry here in the Philippines is still positive,’ the Murata official told this newspaper.

She said Murata accounts for 40 percent of the global market of MLCC. During the recent press briefing for Philippine Semiconductor and Electronic Convention and Exhibition 2025 (PSECE), SEIPI President Danilo C. Lachica said the ‘default growth drivers’ for the electronics industry would be new devices.

‘Year-on-year, whether it’s now or five years from now, the growth drivers for the electronics industry would be new devices, new technology. And it’s in different sectors, whether they are in automobiles, devices, cellphones, obviously, computers.’

According to the website of Murata, the firm operates both a sales branch and a large production site in the Philippines.

The Kyoto-based electronics maker said its facility in the Philippines is Murata’s ‘largest production site’ in Asia. Operations started in early 2013 with the production of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors.

Electronics exports accounted for 53 percent of the country’s $55.7-billion export revenues in January to August, according to official government data.

Generics Awareness Month took center stage at the Mercury Drug Q-Plaza Branch in Cainta recently, where RHEA Generics, in support of the Department of Health (DOH) and in partnership with Mercury Drug, gathered healthcare leaders, advocates, and community members for a day dedicated to a timely cause.

Carrying the theme ‘Ginhawang Generics, Ramdam ng Bawat Pilipino,’ the program placed the spotlight on the role of generic medicines in everyday healthcare, stressing their affordability, tested effectiveness, and steady availability in the market. It also aimed to correct long-standing misconceptions, reminding patients that generics undergo the same rigorous standards as branded medicines and can provide the same relief and treatment outcomes.

The Department of Health expressed its full support for the event through a special video message. In the video, the DOH reaffirmed its decades-long advocacy of promoting access to affordable and quality medicines through the Generics Act of 1988 and the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008. The agency also issued a clear call to action for Filipino patients to proactively ask their doctors and pharmacists about generic equivalents, stressing that informed choices empower communities and strengthen public health.

Sharing the industry perspective, Ms. Giezel Jane Sarmiento, Marketing Head of the Pharmaceutical Business Unit of PHILUSA Corporation, emphasized RHEA Generics’ commitment to the advocacy. ‘We are helping redefine what generics truly mean – from being seen as ‘second choice’ to becoming the world-class and trusted choice. At RHEA Generics, we believe no Filipino should ever have to choose between health and livelihood; quality healthcare should never be out of reach,’ she added, citing the brand’s continuing efforts to build patient confidence in generic medicines.

To extend the celebration beyond awareness-building, RHEA Generics and Mercury Drug offered free clinics to serve Mercury Drug Suki patients and nearby communities with consultations and basic health services, such as free temperature checks, blood pressure monitoring, and screenings for blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

RHEA Generics has been a longstanding partner of the DOH in promoting the responsible use of generics. Strengthening this advocacy, the brand continues to expand its portfolio of molecules through its growing collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies.

By raising awareness on generics and making medical support available to the community, the event left a practical reminder that access to quality treatment is not only a national goal but a shared responsibility.

The vivo V60 may first capture your attention with its ZEISS co-engineered cameras, but its story doesn’t end there.

With its massive 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery, ultra-fast 90W Flash Charge, powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, and durable yet elegant build, the vivo V60 is more than just a camera powerhouse. It’s a device designed not just to perform, but to endure.

Built for power that lasts

The vivo V60’s 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery gives you the confidence to take on anything, anytime. It can navigate maps for 9 hours, play PUBG for 10 hours, or stream YouTube for up to 22 hours – all on a single charge.

When time is short, its 90W Flash Charge powers up your phone to 25% in just 20 minutes. For gamers, bypass charging keeps the device cool and stable during intense MOBA sessions, allowing the action to never stop.

Performance that pushes limits

Inside, the vivo V60 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, offering a significant leap in speed and efficiency – 27% faster CPU performance, 30% improved GPU power, and 26% enhanced gaming efficiency compared to the previous generation.

This powerhouse setup delivers smoother gameplay, faster app launches, and seamless video playback, making it perfect for multitaskers, streamers, and mobile gamers who live life in motion.

Built to withstand, designed to impress

The vivo V60 combines premium aesthetics with unmatched durability. Its IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ensure it stands strong against splashes, rain, unexpected spills, and submersion in freshwater.

Elegant, powerful, and built for modern living, the vivo V60 is your reliable companion for every story, every connection, and every adventure that lies ahead.

The vivo V60 starts at Php 28,999 in colors Berry Purple, Summer Blue, and Mist Gray. Now available nationwide at vivo official stores, kiosks, and online through the vivo e-store, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

Energy sales of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) at end-September this year stood at 40,719 gigawatt hours (GWh), down by 0.4 percent from 40,872 GWh recorded in the same period a year ago.

The company said the decline was mainly due to reduced household spending and unpredictable weather conditions.

‘Depressed residential consumption remains to be the biggest contributor to the decline, amplified by the erratic weather observed in the third quarter, with the transition of El Nino to La Nina,’ Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz said.

He added that the impact on commercial sales is less pronounced, but still affected by the reeling effect of lower tourism and real estate occupancy. However, Geluz said industrial sales posted a modest increase supported by steady demand in cement and steel.

‘Notwithstanding, we continue our diligent efforts to energize customers, with an estimate to end the year at 8.2 million customers, up by 170,000 from last year. We are optimistic that these new customers will contribute to the volume rebound next year once weather and macroeconomic factors normalize.’

Meralco will release soon its financial and operating results for January to September.

Meanwhile, the utility firm is anticipating higher generation charge which could lead to an increase in electricity rates this month.

‘While we are still waiting for some billings from our suppliers to finalize the October electricity rate, indications point to a possible increase in the generation charge this month,’ said Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga. ‘This is due to the depreciation of the peso which affects costs of our suppliers that are mostly dollar-denominated.’

‘We, however, are hopeful that these possible increases will be tempered by lower WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices as reported by IEMOP [Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines].’

WESM’s average price declined 33.8 percent to P3.04 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in September, the lowest in the last seven months, from P4.59 per kWh the previous month.

IEMOP noted an improved supply for the billing period August 26 to September 25 at 20,712 megawatts (MW) against a lower demand which stood at 13,640 MW, resulting in an increased margin of 5,194 MW, up from 4,578 MW in August 2025.

IEMOP said these conditions were observed across the regions with supply increasing and demand decreasing. The higher margin compared to the previous billing month led to lower prices.

From a single bakery in Wireless, Mandaue City, Cebu, Julie’s has grown over the last four decades into the country’s largest neighborhood bakeshop with more than 600 stores nationwide. Known for its everyday fresh and affordable breads, Julie’s gives credit to its franchisees for the strong presence that the brand has built across communities.

In preparation for its 45th anniversary in 2026, Julie’s is eyeing further expansion into more barangays nationwide by making it easier for Filipinos to start a business and prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Multi-generational growth

Julie’s president and CEO Joseph Gandionco, son of founder Julie Gandionco, noted that a rising number of their franchisees are now involving their children and grandchildren in running their bakeshops.

Gandionco said that there are currently 16 multi-generational Julie’s franchisees all over the country. Some have inherited the original franchise from their parents or grandparents, while others have begun actively preparing their children to take over operations. Gandionco himself has also involved his children in the business, including his son Gio, who currently serves as regional director for Visayas.

For the older Gandionco, multi-generational ownership not only ensures continuity, but also solidifies the bakeshop’s connection with its community.

‘Multi-generational franchisees help keep Julie’s strong and connected to communities. By involving their families early, sharing the brand’s mission, and showing the rewards of the business, franchisees can inspire the next generation to take the lead,’ he explained.

‘Bread is a staple on every Filipino table, and remains a breakfast and merienda favorite. Being in the business of baking bread has proven resilient despite all the challenges throughout the years,’ Gandionco continued.

Setting up more bakeshops nationwide

Julie’s mission has since gone beyond bread, inspiring Filipinos to be entrepreneurs. ‘Our mission to feed Filipino communities is not only limited to our breads, but is also creating opportunities to become entrepreneurs. This was what my mother hoped for when she opened our first bakeshop in Wireless, Mandaue City,’ Gandionco said.

With a strong presence in Cebu, the brand is now targeting growth across Visayas, while also expanding in key markets in Luzon and Mindanao, according to Gandionco. Julie’s has also continued to add variety to its products based on the changing consumer preferences across markets.

In addition to traditional bakeshops, Julie’s is scaling up with mall kiosks and inline stores. Earlier this year, Julie’s launched its first inline store in Paco, Manila. Gandionco also revealed that plans are underway for new formats, which will be introduced in time for the company’s 45th year in 2026.

To encourage broader participation, Julie’s is currently offering a 50% discount on franchise fees, for up to P175,000 in savings for new partners. Franchise packages include a complete support system, including staff training and marketing assistance, for day-to-day operations.

As Julie’s grows its presence nationwide, the company is positioning its franchise model as an accessible and resilient investment opportunity.

‘Julie’s has been in the business for more than four decades, serving as a testament to its longevity. Our second- and third-generation owners and franchisees serve as a testament to the franchise being a good investment. They can attest to how our franchise packages offer an easy way to start a business and gain access to proven systems and full support every step of the way,’ Gandionco said.

Learn more about franchising opportunities with Julie’s by visiting their website and following their Facebook and Instagram pages to be the first to know about their new products and promotions.

OF all the high-risk jobs out there, sitting behind an office desk for eight or more hours five days a week seems like the most benign. Sure, there’s no heavy lifting involved, no long-distance travel, and no exposure to dizzying heights, toxic chemicals, or machines that could inadvertently sever a body part. Yet parking yourself in front of a computer for long periods can pose danger to your health in more ways than one.

‘You’ve heard of the saying, ‘Sitting is the new smoking.’ That means the lack of activity increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers-conditions associated with regular tobacco use,’ says Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan, MD, from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of top Philippine hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph).

Spending hours hunched over your desk typically leads to musculoskeletal pain. ‘A common problem shared by office workers is lower back pain,’ reveals Tan. ‘One study revealed that as much as 51 percent of office workers experienced lower back pain.’

Given their curved posture when seated, office workers complain too of soreness in the shoulders and neck. ‘There’s actually a name for it: tech neck or text neck,’ shares the MakatiMed doctor. ‘Common among those who use gadgets, it’s stress caused from keeping your shoulders and head slumped forward and your chin practically touching your chest.’

If you type a lot on a computer, or use a mouse, you might have felt some tingling, pain and weakness in your hand and wrist. ‘It’s likely carpal tunnel syndrome,’ says Tan. ‘The carpal tunnel is a space in your wrist bone that serves as a passageway for tendons, ligaments, and nerves to reach your hand. When the median nerve in your carpal tunnel is irritated or damaged due to repetitive motions, it sends pain to your hand, wrist, and fingers.’

Hours of staring at a computer screen can also affect your eyes, causing you to experience blurred vision, dryness, and headaches. ‘Fortunately, these office pains do not happen overnight,’ declares Tan. ‘Awareness gives you the opportunity to avoid and correct their causes, so you can work comfortably and more efficiently.’

Sit properly. ‘Pick a chair that supports your spine and allows you to adjust its height, so your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are at the same level as your hips, and your head is straight, not bent forward,’ reminds Tan. ‘Make sure you are seated at arm’s length from your computer, your wrists are straight, and your hands are level with your elbows.’

Take breaks. They don’t have to be long to disrupt your concentration and rhythm. A five-minute break every 30 minutes can relax and recharge your body and brain. It also gives your eyes time to rest, according to Tan. How you spend it is up to you. A walk outdoors may inspire new ideas, while meditating quiets the mind, and stretching not just your body but your hands and fingers can ease some strain. You can also listen to music, read, eat a snack, or chat with a co-worker.

Consider a standing desk and other ergonomic products. You might have to get used to it, but a standing desk promotes better posture because you aren’t hunched over, the doctor advises. ‘Still, you might have to take walking and sitting breaks with this type of desk, as standing for too long can be tough on your joints and the soles of your feet,’ shares Tan.

It might also be helpful to invest in ergonomic chairs, footrests, laptop risers, and other products that are specifically designed to optimize the work environment for comfort and safety.

Exercise. ‘It improves posture by strengthening the muscles that support your back, shoulders, and core,’ says Tan. ‘It also releases mood-enhancing endorphins that lift the spirit to relax you after a long day at work.’

The doctor recommends simple stretches like neck shoulder rolls, chest stretches, and torso twists as well as quick exercises such as squats and triceps dip using your chair, seated movements like calf raises and knee to chest, and wall push-ups and sits.

Digital exclusion remains a significant barrier for the entrepreneurial poor, preventing them from participating in digital commerce and escaping the poverty trap. To address this, the government must foster a supportive environment that encourages digitalization rather than hindering it with excessive regulations.

Joey Bermudez, founding chairperson of Iskaparate, a platform for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), argues that regulatory impositions and bureaucratic red tape stifle digital sellers. For example, he cites the requirement by some local government units (LGUs) for home-based businesses to have a separate physical office before they can be issued a business permit.

To empower its members, Iskaparate provides digital training courses and is expanding its suite of apps and tools to help sellers manage their online businesses more effectively.

The power of digital platforms

During Iskaparate’s fifth anniversary, economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas, a professor at Harvard and IESE Business School, spoke to the ‘mompreneurs’ (nanays) of the platform. He urged them to strive for excellence and meritocracy, never settling for mediocrity. Villegas emphasized that digital platforms like Iskaparate democratize market access, giving sellers a powerful advantage.

He believes the future belongs to this kind of trade, where physical distribution is ‘unbundled’ from the curating of trade. This model empowers small entrepreneurs who can identify and fill market needs with hard work and innovation. Villegas commended Iskaparate for its presence on platforms like Shopee, recognizing that this is ‘definitely the future.’

Iskaparate’s support system

Iskaparate offers a variety of support mechanisms for its sellers:

Assisted Vendors: For those who feel inadequate to manage their own stores, Iskaparate provides a store on its platform that is managed for them.

Resellers: The platform also supports individuals who don’t have their own products but are skilled at selling. They can buy products wholesale from Iskaparate’s business-to-business (B2B) partners and sell them within their neighborhoods and communities.

Social Media Sellers: Iskaparate accommodates sellers who aren’t yet ready to use a website but are comfortable selling on platforms like Facebook. Bermudez noted that these sellers can leverage Iskaparate’s dedicated Facebook channels to market their products.

Bermudez is committed to training sellers who are not yet familiar with digital platforms, hoping to boost their digital proficiency to a confident level. For those who are ‘totally digitally scared,’ Iskaparate provides guidance and training through its Iskaparate Academy trainees.

The Philippine government also offers extensive support for MSMEs through agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), providing assistance with everything from financial aid to business development and training.