Promote cycle of empowerment, Tsinoy businessmen told

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino urged Chinese-Filipino businessmen last night to do more for the country and invest further in people to promote the cycle of empowerment and economic growth.

Aquino posed the challenge during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. last night.

“Perhaps I can elaborate: Historically, Chinese-Filipinos, as an ethnic group, have been widely acknowledged for their keen business sense. My suggestion is, moving forward, perhaps we can work together and find channels through which you can share your business acumen with our countrymen,” Aquino said.

“For instance: perhaps you can create apprenticeship programs through which aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs can learn from some of our country’s most experienced business people.”

He said he is encouraging Chinese-Filipino businessmen to do this because such a program would expand the menu of options available for the people.

“It enables Filipinos to learn from their fellow Filipinos, and rely on their innate creativity, skill and work ethic to build businesses, directly create jobs, and contribute to their local economies,” he said.

As large players in their respective industries, Aquino also told the businessmen to get more involved in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the larger supply chain, citing Jollibee under Tony Tan Caktiong as example.

The President noted Tan made a difference in local communities by committing to buy onions from small-scale farmers through the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program.