In a landmark undertaking, the PinoyME Consortium, Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation and the Hanns Seidel Foundation/Germany along with other key sponsors brought together about 80 outstanding and promising micro-entrepreneurs (MEs) from all over the country for a 2 ½-day convention in Manila titled “ME Naman! Pinoy Microentrepreneurs’ Convention” held last February 22-24, 2012 at the Land Bank of the Philippines. These successful micro-entrepreneurs were joined by key stakeholders from various sectors – microfinance institutions, national government agencies, academe, non-government organizations, private business, and other development organizations.

PinoyME mounted the event in commemoration of its 6th Year Anniversary celebration which coincided with the nation’s 26th year celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution. The convention puts in focus ordinary heroes – the micro-entrepreneurs – as they deal with the challenges and rewards in growing an enterprise and towards nation-building. It was about time that we give them the recognition they deserve as they call out (which explains the title: ME Naman!) for support in creating awareness on the value of micro-enterprises in the Philippine economy and advancing micro-enterprise development in the country. It was also a good and timely opportunity for these top-micro-entrepreneurs to engage in dialogue and share their experiences with other MEs and key representatives from other institutions to gain further insights and encourage more investments in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.

The presentations and discussions were highly interactive which made the event not only informative but interesting as well. Successful and prominent entrepreneurs from various fields made up the roster of speakers and resource persons who shared their stories – both good and bad – on how to become successful in business and being socially responsible at the same time.

Guests from supporting institutions were on hand to lend support to this rare gathering of micro-entrepreneurs:  Ms. Gilda Pico, President of Land Bank of the Philippines gave the Welcome Remarks, Ms. Viel Aquino Dee, PinoyME Consortium Steering Committee Member delivered the Opening Remarks, Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, Chair and CEO of Plantersbank and Board Member of PinoyME Foundation gave the Keynote Speech and Mr. Paul G. Schäfer, Resident Representative of Hanns Seidel Foundation/Germany shared a Message (attached).

The micro-entrepreneurs learned inspiring accounts and valuable lessons from no less than the President or Chief Executive Officer of top Filipino companies in the country, such as Dr. Cecilio Pedro, President of Lamoiyan Corporation (producer of Hapee Toothpaste), Ms. Jeannie Javelosa, Co-founder and Director of ECHOStore, Mr. Mark Ruiz, Co-founder of Hapinoy, Mr. Bobby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports, Mr. Rey Lapid, President of R. Lapid’s Chicharon & Barbecue, Mr. Reuel Virtucio, Managing Director of Manok Mabuhay, Inc., Mr. Rico Gonzalez, Founder of X Change, Mr. Vicente Romano III, President of Creative Synergy Inc., Mr. Joey Bermudez, Chairman of Maybridge Asia and Mr. Boy Abunda, Multi-awarded TV Host and Entrepreneur.  Some outstanding micro-entrepreneurs from Laguna (Peanut Butter), General Santos City (Pickled Papaya) and Davao del Norte (Ice Cream products) also related their own enterprise’s struggles and triumphs. These successful entrepreneurs also provided free mentoring and consultations with the participants. Market encounters were likewise held where several booths were set-up to facilitate product presentations and business negotiations.

A film showing on “Produkto ng Pilipinas” (Product of the Philippines) by Mr. Jullian Ablaza featuring the “Ehje Peanut Butter” Micro-enterprise (a 2011 Cinemalaya Film Festival Entry) further inspired the participants to strive harder and make their micro-enterprise one of the biggest in the country.

Resource persons on key topics were also invited, namely: Dr. Teresita Fortuna, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (NCR), Mr. Patrick Tang, Vice-President for Retail Voice Acquisition of PLDT Retail Business Group, Ms. Maria Agnes Angeles, Senior Vice-President of Plantersbank (SME and Microfinance Banking Group), Mr. Jerry Clavesillas, Program Manager of the Department of Trade and Industry (Rural Microenterprise Promotion Programme), Ms. Jennifer Reyes, Executive Director of Center for Small Entrepreneurs, and Ms. Gleceria Angeles, Head, Project Development Officer of the Land Bank of the Philippines (Programs Management Department I).

As a culminating activity, an Integration Session was held for reflections and sharing of MEs in terms of key insights and how these lessons can be translated into action. In summary, the participants expressed their satisfaction with the sharing of stories of top business persons in the country as well as new skills that they learned especially in terms of product development, packaging, branding and distribution, market development/penetration, and tried and tested principles in business/enterprise development. They hoped to gain more specific skills in future meetings such as business accounting and merchandising techniques (how to make a sale).

Overall, it was a successful event as the participants recognized the continued support of PinoyME and its partners and supporting institutions to the development of the micro-enterprise sector in the country. They appreciated the organization and management of the convention.

Message of Mr. Paul G. Schäfer