17 January 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales encouraged Filipinos in Singapore to take advantage of the upbeat economic environment and thriving businesses in the Philippines by investing their earnings in the country during his welcome remarks at the Smart World Negosyo Caravan held last January 14 at the AIA Tampines.

 “We are not here (in Singapore) for the rest of our days and most of you are interested in coming back to the Philippines and establish businesses,” Ambassador Morales added.

The said event briefed Filipinos on franchising as a means of investing their income in the Philippines. 

“One common feature among developed countries like the US and Singapore is a strong, vibrant middle class and SME sector,” Ambassador Morales said to further inspire OFWs to penetrate PH’s SME sector by becoming entrepreneurs and franchisees themselves.

PLDT Singapore and the Global Filipino Investors, a Filipino community group in Singapore that promotes financial literacy and entrepreneurship among OFWs, co-organized the event.

Ms. Sherill Quintana, PFA Director for South Luzon and CEO of Oryspa Spa Solutions, Inc.; Mr. Federico Moreno, President of Xcess Salon; and Ms. Dana Cuneta, Strategic Planning Consultant of Francorp Philippines shared their insights about starting a business and franchising.

Commercial Counsellor Glenn G. Penaranda also gave a presentation on the support provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for budding entrepreneurs through its Negosyo Centers.  This was in line with DTI’s core policy thrusts on employment and entrepreneurship.

Both Ambassador Morales and Commercial Counsellor Penaranda emphasized President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s focus on SMEs, which he conveyed during his recent State Visit to Singapore last December.

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