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The trade chief stressed that the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) continue to face challenges from the pandemic as their cash flow and working capital have been depleted amid slower business activities.

“Others also laid off [their] workers because the businesses can no longer afford to pay for salaries,” he added.

Now that businesses are finally recovering from the harsh effects of the pandemic, Go Lokal!, a freemarket access platform for Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMES), opened its first inline store on May 2 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Since its launch in December 2016, the Go Lokal! program has partnered with 24 retailers, rolled out 156 stores nationwide, assisted 863 MSMES, of which 412 were already mainstreamed and have become regular suppliers of partner retailers.

To date, the program has generated sales of over P466 million.

The Go Lokal! Inline store at Ayala Malls Manila Bay had its soft opening in January 2022. It is managed by Common Room PH, a local retailer that houses over 200+ local crafters and brands.

There are currently 18 Go Lokal! Suppliers in the inline store that offer food and wellness products, fashionable accessories, homeware, and toys.

Lopez noted that the Go Lokal! program, in partnership with the DTI, can be an avenue towards patronizing local products and boosting the MSMES industry simultaneously.

MSMES get help in terms of product development, training and marketing their goods. “To be able to sell in stores, they must pay rent, but with a partnership like this, Golokal! can carry their products,” he added.

Lopez explained that not all local products are guaranteed to be displayed, as the process involves curating or filtering the products that they display.

With this, he said, the SMES “are challenged to come up with superior products so these can be displayed, since the products must be curated. That’s why the products chosen are those that can compete with imported products.”

For her part, Common Room PH president and owner Roma Agsalud said they are heartened by the growing appreciation by the local market of the need to support local businesses.”

Some very conscious buyers deliberately purchase local products, she added.

Creative services

MEANWHILE, Lopez said the DTI also aims to export creative services, adding, “as you know the services themselves can be exported.”

He said creative services are a “strength of the Filipino and should be supported and organized, so it can be pushed, being included in the SIPP [strategic investment priority plan].”