Gov’t-owned malls
PRESIDENT Marcos wants to establish government-operated shopping malls across the country to promote micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
This, we think, shows the Chief Executive’s “genuine concern” over the welfare of the millions of Filipinos whose livelihood and cash depend on these enterprises.
Mr. Marcos came up with the idea after President Joko Widodo toured him and other Pinoy officials at a Jakarta shopping mall owned by the Indonesian government.
“Yung mall na ipinakita sa amin, gobyerno ang may-ari. At saka, ‘yung mga produkto na pinabibili doon sa mall, lahat ay lokal, lahat MSMEs, lahat maliit,” Marcos said.
MSMEs play a vital role in developing the local economy. They also help government authorities in reducing poverty by creating much-needed jobs for the growing labor force.
These business enterprises stimulate economic development, particularly in rural and far-flung communities not only in Luzon but also in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Reports said that in the Philippines, a nation of more than 110 million English-speaking people, 99 percent of business enterprises are classified as MSMEs.
In many of his speeches during the last political campaign period, then presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos Jr. vowed to help owners of small businesses.
Doubtless, the Indonesian government, through President Widodo, is seen to help the Philippines in setting up state-owned shopping malls not only in urban centers but elsewhere.
By establishing these state-operated malls, the government is on track meeting the employment and other needs of the country’s burgeoning population.
