Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion presents the pledge of commitment of the Pilipinas Angat Lahat Alliance to President Duterte last Aug. 14, at Malacañang Palace.
For Filipinos, Christmas will always be a very special day. We prepare for it weeks and months ahead. But now, it’s done and we’re looking towards celebrating the new year. Hello 2019!

I’ve always believed that values are universal and secular. Whatever faith and belief we practice, it should bring out the best in us. We could be well–read in our beliefs – be it from the Bible, the Koran or other religious doctrines – but if we do not do our best to achieve our potential and help others through our gifts, we have failed to live according to God’s teachings.

I guess some of you are wondering what this is leading to? My point is, regardless of spiritual background and beliefs, it’s our goal and duty to work towards the greater good, where all would benefit. We are divinely ordered to use our God–given gifts to help others. Our talents were bestowed on us not just for our personal use and consumption, but so that we can use them to serve Him and uplift our brothers.

Thus, people in power – state leaders, people in government, and large corporations, among others – should be reminded that the end goal is to not simply forward their agendas, but work towards the greater good of society and to empower others. It is a must to give everyone a chance for a better life!

In our cause and advocacy, I’ve come to see how my work fits into the bigger picture. The most urgent task I see now is helping MSMEs (that make up 99.6 percent of the economy) to adapt to the 4th Industrial Revolution, which is marked by digital, technological innovation. We have to teach our entrepreneurs and businessmen how to adapt to the dynamic landscape and adopt technology and innovation to further their businesses. It’s moving their enterprises from simply operating on “survival” mode to sustainability and success.