Samsam lobbies support for Talisay MSMEs

CEBU, Philippines — Talisay Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas has urged the Talisay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCCI) to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made the remarks during the first general membership meeting of the chamber on yesterday, June 26.

As more businesses start to operate again, the city is aiming to encourage and support more local businesses to help revive the local economy.

But since a boom in business may also lead to an increase in crimes, the mayor likewise challenged the police force to keep an eye on the city’s criminality rate.

Specifically, Gullas asked Talisay City police chief Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Ace Pelare ensure that local businesses can operate peacefully.

Gullas, one of the young mayors in Cebu, said he is willing to promote local businesses on his Facebook page.

He said he made it his vow to promote local businesses via Facebook ever since the city was placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) last year.

Also yesterday, Gullas attended the awarding ceremony for those involved in the SMILE project, a mangrove conservation program based in Barangay Biasong.

The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF), a non-government organization, led the project and partnered with the city government to realize the initiative.

The organizers also recognized the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) office and even other sectoral groups who were involved in the project.

In addition, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the University of the Visayas (UV) were also recognized for their contributions. —JMD (FREEMAN)