Binay upholds economic value of sari-sari stores

CEBU, Philippines - Sari-sari stores should not be underrated as such business contributes to poverty alleviation and economic development of the country, this according to Vice President Jejomar Binay. Binay was supposedly the guest of honor during the 7th year Sari-Sari Store Festival held last July 14, but he canceled at the last minute due to urgent appointments in Manila and had to send her daughter Nancy Binay Angeles to grace the event on his behalf.

In his speech, as delivered by Angeles, Binay pointed out the economic value of sari-sari stores, citing that these are effective means in alleviating poverty in the Philippines.

“For better or worse, tingi is here to stay. It should not be underestimated. Ito rin ang haligi ng ekonomiya. Maraming nagsimula sa maliliit na negosyo para sa kinabukasan ng kanilang mga minamahal. Maraming pamilya ang naiahon sa hirap. Ang kabuhayan at sari-sari store ay iisa,” (Sachet marketing is the cornerstone of the economy. Many have ventured into micro-businesses to ensure a bright future for their families. Livelihood and the sari-sari store is one), he said.

He said that one of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG) is to reduce poverty by 50% by 2015.

To be able to achieve such vision, he noted that the Philippines has to bring the poverty rate down to 16.63% this year.

Referring the business as an evolutionary form of “isang kahig-isang tuka” mentality, he added that there have been successful businessmen and iconic store owners who were able to find opportunities in face of adversities.

“Kaya natin itong lampasan nang may tiwala sa sarili at lakas ng loob. Ang sari-sari store ay dapat ipagmalaki. Ito ay marangal na hanapbuhay na naghahangad ng kabutihan sa sarili at sa kapwa. Ito ay kaagapay natin sa laban ng kahirapan upang makamit ang maginhawang buhay,” (We can surpass anything with trust in ourselves and courage. The sari-sari stores should be upheld. It is a descent livelihood that has good intent towards oneself and others. It’s our hope in our fight against poverty and our goal towards a better life), Binay continued in his speech.

With the administration from companies, corporate citizens, sari-sari store owners and government, he is confident on the achievement of the national ambition to have a gainful economy and employment opportunities among Filipinos, thus alleviating poverty.

Contrary to the American consumer practice where wholesale is a norm; he added that Filipinos display attention and interest in buying retail rather than in bulk amounts.

He also said that a manifestation to such practice is the production of household items, shampoo, soap, condiments and other commodities in sachets.

“Sa masang Pilipino, patok na patok ang tingi-tingi. Dahli sa makabagong teknolohiya, may mga makabagong paraan ng pagbenta at pagbili ng tingi. Only in the Philippines mo nga lang makikita ang patingi-tingi na load,” he said.

He noted that with sari-sari stores becoming a hit, proliferation of gigantic warehouses clubs and stores almost in all neighborhoods could be observed nationwide. 

With such impact in the society, Binay further considered such business as the biggest in trade, commerce and industry.

He then lauded Prince Warehouse Club President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Go for his advocacy of helping sari-sari store owners with their businesses.

He acknowledged the enterprising skills of Filipinos, empowering themselves with knowledge and expertise to improve their lives and to rise above economic hurdles by becoming entrepreneurs.

He further cited that remittances sent by global Filipinos are being used by their families as seed money to put up their own stores, finding an alternative source to augment their income.

Others prefer to go back home and decide to stay in the country to make sari-sari store as their main source of livelihood, he added.  (FREEMAN)