Patronize local franchises – AFFI

MANILA, Philippines - The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) is calling on entrepreneurs to invest in local franchises to help the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector grow.

Speaking at the opening of the Galing ng Pinoy: The 12th Filipino Franchise Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City yesterday, AFFI president Armando Bartolome said the group wants to promote homegrown franchises.

“We encourage Filipino businessmen to invest in homegrown franchises which have seen continuous demand abroad. Local franchisees are a major growth driver among MSMEs. There is still a huge potential for this sector to grow,” he said.

MSMEs account for over 90 percent of the country’s total registered businesses.

The sector is seen as a contributor to economic growth and job generation.

Bartolome noted that last year, the AFFI’s sales reached a record of P54.07 billion.

Earlier, he said the AFFI expects its sales to grow by 15 percent this year from last year as the group increases its membership and as more stores are opened.

At least 12 of AFFI’s 112 members have already expanded overseas with carts and stalls now operating in Indonesia, Australia, Japan, South Africa and the US.

With other members also preparing to bring their businesses overseas, Bartolome said that soon, homegrown franchises would also be seen in Singapore, urban China, Germany, Chile, Colombia, India and the UK.

AFFI’s members currently have a total of 16,093 stores.

Through the AFFI’s show, Bartolome said the group wants Filipinos to see the different opportunities available for them to grow and operate their own business through franchising.

“Franchising is a booming business. Participants to our show will have the opportunity to evaluate the best franchise options available,” he said.