President Rodrigo Duterte was familiarly known as “Kuya Rody” to micro and small entrepreneurs during the Mentor Me Program launch of Go Negosyo and Department of Trade and Industry in Marco Polo, Davao City last Oct. 7.

Together with more than 700 micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs and Go Negosyo entrepreneurs and advocates, I, acting as Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, flew from Manila along with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez where we invited President Duterte to a town hall discussion to discuss the MSME Development plans of his administration.

After the launch, we were glad to have dinner with the President and some entrepreneurs. President Duterte enjoyed the company of the group while chatting, signing autographs and taking pictures.

We pledge our full support to the President in alleviating poverty in the country.