Let’s speed up growth

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Technology training on furniture and handicraft production using mixed media may provide new direction to the local processors in terms of product diversification and the use of locally available materials found in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

The government has increased its loan facility up to P50 billion for micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide this year.

Our furniture production using mixed media can demand high cost because of its artistic design and appearance. We encourage entrepreneurs to continue improving their skills and techniques by attending seminars and trainings.

The training is part of the government’s effort to accelerate the growth of small-scale enterprises and boost the government’s anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs.

The government must also study the possibility of further lowering the interest rates on these loans, specifically for micro enterprises in order for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise sectors to survive in the future.

Lowering the interest rates of MSME would be a big help in sustaining their indispensable contributions to the country’s overall economic growth and generate more jobs and income for the people.

We call on Congress to finally pass an amendment to the Magna Carta for Entrepreneurs now in the bicameral conference committee.*