Recognizing UP ISSI’s role in promoting the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines, Research Division head Antonette Dungca participated in the first meeting and other related activities of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), which were conducted 30 May – 3 June 2016 in Singapore.
The ACCMSME (previously known as the ASEAN Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group or ASEAN SMEWG) is the body responsible for SME development and promotion in the ASEAN. It is composed of representatives from SME agencies of all ASEAN Member States (AMS).
UP ISSI’s participation in the ACCSME meeting and other related activities is part of the Institute’s commitment to continuously enhance and upgrade its capacity to provide quality and relevant training, research and extension services to MSMEs in the Philippines. Likewise, it is the Institute’s responsibility to be informed of the initiatives and developments in the ASEAN.
Consistent with the objectives of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development (SAPSMED) 2016 – 2025, UP ISSI’s targets may be aligned towards strengthening SMEs and micro enterprises’ engagement especially in this increasingly competitive economic environment. Among the goals stipulated in the SAPSMED, the Philippines (together with Myanmar and Brunei Darussalam) is considered as the country champion for Strategic Goal E: Promoting Entrepreneurship and Human Capital Development.
In response to this, the Institute is currently collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises for the development of the concept note on the implementation of the ASEAN Internship Program for MSMEs (Phase 1 of this Project was the development of a Guidebook on ASEAN SME Staff Exchanges and Internships which was successfully completed by UP ISSI from 2013 – 2014).
With report from Antonette L. Dungca.