AFAB exec calls for unity between big, small firms

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Chairperson Emmanuel Pineda pushed for a unified relationship between big firms and its small counterparts.

“It’s good to know that large corporations and their small counterparts already had general increase of being partners in order to create economic opportunities,” Pineda said during the Bataan Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs’ Night held at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga.

Pineda cited that through continuous cooperation and collaboration, big firms and its small counterparts— such as cooperatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)— have brought positive changes in the country.

He also revealed that the country is becoming a more viable destination for foreign investors.

“Despite our constraints such as internal and external threats, we are still able to level up in terms of investor confidence,” Pineda sai d.

Cooperatives and MSMEs, he added, contribute to the stable gross domestic product of the country.

He said AFAB, which hosts 128 international and local companies, acknowledges the efforts of MSMEs as their partners for bringing economic growth.

About 500 entrepreneurs and cooperative members were present in the spectacle that featured a friendly competition dubbed as “Coopreneurs Got Talent.”

“It’s our fourth year celebrating this activity and we want cooperative members and entrepreneurs from different towns and city to showcase their exceptional talent,” Bataan Cooperative Development Council Chairperson Rolando Cruz said.

The activity was organized by the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office as part of the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan observance.

Other activities in Bataan for Kagitingan 2018 include Galing Bataan Trade Fair, History Quiz, Parangal sa mga Beterano, Senior Citizens’ Night, Bataan Freedom Run, Foot Parade, Military Band, Parade of Floats, and Koro Bangkal Magbikin Concert.

— Mar Jay S. Delas Alas/ PIA-3