THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) and the Jollibee Group Foundation to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) become suppliers for large firms.
On Wednesday, DTI signed a memorandum of understanding with JFC and the Jollibee Group Foundation to create a learning program for MSMEs.
“This is the second time we are joining forces to support our country’s MSMEs,” said JFC Chief Executive Officer Joseph C. Tanbuntiong.
“Through this partnership, we hope to continue helping in upskilling and opening more doors for MSMEs, from entering supply chains to scaling their businesses sustainably,” he added.
In April 2024, JFC hosted the pilot capability-building session, where around 40 SMEs from across the country participated.
“It was very successful, and they were really asking for more,” said Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque.
“More [people] are now really looking forward to attending these sessions because if you are in this industry, it is important for you to know how you can supply conglomerates,” she added.
Jollibee Group Foundation President Gisela Tiongson said that they can accommodate 100 participants in this year’s session in July.
“It is still in discussion with them… But since it has been positively reviewed, we can actually accommodate 100,” Ms. Tiongson said, noting that the attendees should be companies ready to engage with larger firms as suppliers.
“I think last year, we only focused on food producers, but as you know, as a company, we also have packaging requirements, and we also have construction requirements. So, there is a lot, and this time, I think we can really figure out what sectors can attend,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
