Wishing for prosperity this 2018

Happy new year to all the Go Negosyo advocates, mentors, sponsors and supporters who are also part of the ecosystem of mentorship, money and market. For sure, we all have our wishes or New Year’s resolutions which we repeatedly prepare year after year.

Some wish for their health, for their business, and for luck in general. But for me, my only wish for 2018 is to continue to push the entire ecosystem of enablers, both the government and the private sector, to create prosperity for all.

Let me share with you the wishes of our entrepreneurs and enablers

“I just wish for our country to be peaceful, progressive, and free of calamities.” – Dennis Uy, Udenna Corp.

“My wish is that all of us strive for true unity as a nation. I believe it is only when we are truly united that we can have the peace needed to fully harness our collective effort to further uplift our country, the economy, and, in so doing, the life of every Filipino.” – Santi Araneta, LBC Corp.

“My wish for 2018 is for the Philippines to continue its growth momentum, and for our country to continue to be the rising star of economic success not only in Asia, but also in the world. I also hope 2018 will see more government and private sector partnership to achieve our common goal of improving the lives of Filipinos, both here and abroad.” – Kevin Tan, Megaworld Corp.

“Since I spend four hours a day going to work and back, I hope the traffic problem will have lasting solutions.” – Rene Almendras, Ayala Corp.

“There is a correlation between business success and that of the country’s. So, therefore, I wish our government success in all their undertakings, particularly on infrastructure so that our business can grow and our country grows better. However, I wish the opposite on my personal matter. I wish my growing husband will reduce, go to the gym and see his doctor!” – Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.

“My wish this year is for every Filipino to be financially literate and empowered so that everyone can live a better life. Education is a key tool to achieve that so I hope that those in power can focus on it. I also hope that this year, the Philippines will enjoy continued growth, especially in the tourism and tech industries where there are plenty of opportunities. Lastly, as a staunch supporter of sports, I wish to get our sports association in order – particularly, get the issues in Philippine tennis settled – and achieve more sports honors for the country.” – Jean Henri Lhuillier, PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies

“I have lots of wishes, but if I were to say one, it would be more partnerships between the government and the private sector to maximize each other’s strengths and give the public what they truly deserve. We have a government that is serious in delivering to the public a better life, so let the private sector do their part.” – Sabin Aboitiz, Aboitiz Equity Group

“My wish for 2018 is for private citizens to be more involved in helping the less fortunate to minimize the poverty level of the country. Provide more opportunities for better education for the youth. The future of the country needs better prepared and educated young people.” – William Belo, Wilcon Depot

“Looking to 2018 with hope that MSMEs will be greatly assisted in the ease of doing business and provided financial resources and mentoring in management and skills training. All of the above are key advocacies of PRRD government. Let’s look forward to the start of major infrastructure projects and that these will be implemented judiciously and in a timely manner. Many countries are interested in investing here. It’s important that both executive and legislative branches of the government work in tandem to make our nation more attractive to FDI to provide jobs opportunity. I hope that partnership among the business community, government and labor sectors will promote mutual trust and support to bring about inclusive economic developments across a broad spectrum: agri/aqua, manufacturing, tourism and services. And lastly, let’s pray for less natural calamities and for peace and order to prevail in the country.” – George Barcelon, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

“May the new year usher a fresh sense of unity and cooperation among our people, together we can make our country the envy of other nations, be it in agriculture, tourism, education and happiness index. Thanks to the resiliency of our people, we believe we can do it.” – Henry Lim Bon Liong, SL Agritech Corp.

“May 2018 be a year of better opportunities for micro entrepreneurs brought about by a concerted effort by the private and public sectors to effect inclusive growth.” – Dr. Jaime Alip, CARD-MRI

“I pray for lasting peace in our country and the revitalization of our nation especially in devastated areas. I also wish for enduring prosperity for all.” – Bernie Liu, Golden ABC Corp.

“To have every Filipino realize one’s dreams to be more and to get more out of life with Hyundai as the brand of choice – kasama mo sa biyahe ng buhay.” – Fe Agudo, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc.

“I wish our country could one day have a large, educated and empowered middle class, where high quality healthcare, education, decent transportation, shelter, and basic security are accessible to all Filipino citizens; where women feel safe and are equal to men; where artists, entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, and farmers can all thrive economically; a society with good governance that respects and embraces differences. I hope that 2018 will be a year of meaningful and robust progress towards attaining these basic goals.” – Donnie Tantoco, Rustan’s Supercenters Inc.

“I wish for a more peaceful year for our nation especially in Mindanao and that the country unites in rebuilding Marawi and other calamity-stricken provinces. I wish for a better life for everyone especially for the marginalized. I hope we continue to see more developments in infrastructure and mass transport systems to lessen our traffic problems and to provide convenience to our commuters. In our business, we wish to serve our customers better. We wish to put in more resources for our people and facilities to provide the best customer experience.” – Felix Ang, CATS Motors Inc.

“2017 was a good year for our family. We can’t ask for more for 2018. My only wish is for God to bless our country and our leaders. Spare us from natural disasters and calamities.” – Rosalind Wee, W Group

These are just some of the many wishes of our entrepreneurs. I will be sharing more in my other columns.