A unique collaboration among businesses during Covid-19

particularly the frontliners.

MSMES have always played an important role in developing the Philippine economy by creating jobs and serving as partners of larger enterprises. During this time, they are playing a bigger role in society. MSMES also include social enterprises that are now demonstrating their hybrid purpose, by solving social and environmental issues.

Some MSME and social enterprise initiatives include:

Design and delivery of personal protective equipment and face masks from nanays.

Delivery of farm-to-table food from farmers and their communities.

Provision of various kinds of logistics services, thereby providing jobs for riders.

Development of mobile apps for mental health and budget tracking.

Repacking of groceries for delivery to homes.

Preparation of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals for take-out or delivery.

Manufacturing of disinfectants and cleaning materials for home and personal use.

Recently, an upsurge of businesses in industries such as logistics and food, the latter, particularly focusing on home-cooked meals and agricultural produce, are those that are more prominent these days. These businesses provide essential services with a goal that is not only profit-oriented, but more importantly, to serve their purpose in performing a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Yet, regardless of size and nature of entity, businesses are focusing on battling the real enemy, that is, Covid-19. They are not alone because they are supported by business groups that have been using social media to share these initiatives. The moral support from these business groups keeps the flame of MSMES going.

As Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

Dorelene Dimaunahan is an entrepreneur, educator of the country’s top universities, a host and an author. She has a PHD in Business at De La Salle University. She is also a Certified Franchise Executive, Certified Management Accountant and a Certified Human Resources Practitioner.

This column accepts contributions from the business community. Articles not exceeding 600 words can be e-mailed to boa.secretariat.@ gmail.com.