Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. They generate employment, fuel local innovation, and sustain communities across the country. Ensuring that MSMEs have stronger access to visibility, credibility, and sustainable growth opportunities is essential to building a more resilient and inclusive business ecosystem.
In line with this commitment, CRIF Philippines met with the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) on February 12 at its headquarters to exchange insights and explore ways to further strengthen support for Philippine MSMEs through practical and scalable solutions.
During the discussion, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized that effective MSME support must go beyond networking activities and one‑time events. Sustainable growth, she noted, requires continuous education, stronger compliance frameworks, and robust capability‑building initiatives. These elements are critical in helping MSMEs operate with greater resilience, sound governance, and long‑term competitiveness.
The engagement highlighted the importance of public–private collaboration in advancing the MSME agenda. By combining government leadership with private‑sector data, technology, and insights, more holistic and impactful support mechanisms can be developed—enabling MSMEs to navigate risk, strengthen credibility, and scale responsibly.
CRIF Philippines values the opportunity for meaningful dialogue with DTI and remains committed to exploring partnerships that leverage data, insight, and shared expertise. Through continued collaboration, both sectors can contribute to inclusive growth and help Philippine MSMEs build stronger foundations for the future.