The New Year is a chance for us to start anew or improve on whatever we have started. We hear almost all entrepreneurs being always positive with their outlook and such optimism is seen this year. We are blessed with a good economic growth momentum that encourages more entrepreneurial activities.

The desire to make a difference as we pursue our passion and mission in life becomes even more intense. We see some entrepreneurs going beyond the numbers and are now adding more meaning in their business objectives, integrating social objectives in their business models. That is really noble, and we can expect to see more of this inclusive growth consciousness in the days ahead.

Poverty reduction is on the mind of many of us, but to those affected, having the mindset to beat poverty is a must. In the end, we all would like to see a country of enterprising, hardworking, productive and prosperous Filipinos.

I am sharing with you a new batch of entrepreneurs’ expectations which hopes for the betterment of the country’s economy:

Washington Sycip – SGV & Co.

I expect the Philippine economy to continue gaining strength because a sound economy is the first step towards true progress. I have always said that economic freedom is essential to political freedom. We cannot eat democracy. My wish for the Philippines is to see poverty diminished and illiteracy be reduced to zero. An educated population is productive and contributes to the economic advancement of their families and the country.

Senen Bacani – La Frutera Inc.

I expect the growth in our economy in the coming year to be more inclusive and I hope that 2015 will lead to a just and lasting peace not only in Mindanao, but in the whole country.

Esther Vibal – Vibal Publishing

My expectations for 2015 revolve around education. I expect more Filipinos to benefit from better education enabled or enhanced by technology. Education is key to progress and development.

Natividad Cheng – Uratex, RGC Foam Group

I expect continuous progress and success for our country in 2015. I wish for a more inclusive growth for the Philippines so that lives at all levels will be improved.

Manny Osmena – Oikonomos International Resources Corp.

More than a wish, I will slowly start to turn the different businesses of the Manny O. Group into social enterprises. My prayer for the country is to see more social enterprises to emerge, and to borrow my good friend Tony Meloto’s words of wisdom “Walang Iwanan”.

Myrna Yao – Richwell Trading Corp.

My wish in 2015 is for God to save our country from calamities especially with the blessing of the arrival of Pope Francis. I truly expect our government to fast track the implementation of our infrastructure and their plans to improve the lives of the Filipino people. Delays are as good as non-performance especially for entrepreneurs. I truly wish that our business will grow in Asean countries and not only in the Philippines.

Arsenio Barcelona – Harbest Agribusiness

2015 will see more growth in localized vegetables and short term fruits such as melon, watermelon, honeydew, papaya and strawberry as more young educated Filipinos realize the income potential of high value crops in their localities, particularly urban centers. Localized production adapting modern technologies increases yield, improves quality and lowers production cost.

Dr. Vivian Sarabia – Sarabia Optical

Every New Year, I make a list of my expectations and pray that my wishes be granted for the coming year. This coming 2015 – I affirm that as I continually grow in wisdom and understanding, I know that every good seed I plant is going to come back to me, increased and multiplied a million-fold! Indeed, good and beautiful things happen to me every day, and without fail! And so it is!

Joy Abaquin – Multiple Intelligence School

I look forward to a more prosperous Philippines and more opportunities as we gear up for Asean integration. Hopefully through more competitive global international education we can open more doors for our Filipino youth.

Desiree Duran – Duran Farms

I wish our business can keep up with the Asean Integration. I hope that the agricultural sector will not be left behind.

Jacqueline Alleje – Rizal Dairy Farms

I wish that the government at all levels will pay more attention to the needs of SMEs. The legal framework for conducting business in the Philippines is too complicated and does not encourage entrepreneurship.

Ronald Costales – Costales Nature Farms

For our country, I wish that more Filipino farmers will be more progressive and liberated from the bondage of poverty through organic agriculture and agritourism. For my business: I wish that Costales Nature Farms will continue to inspire more farmers to be more creative and to be more agripreneurial to be able to compete head-on with neighboring countries.

Brian Belen – Ato Belen’s Farm

I wish that economic growth will be more inclusive in 2015. I would like to see entrepreneurs realize their maximum potentials, as the Philippines elevates its status globally.

Florence Ko – Furnitalia

In recent years, the market has become increasingly familiar with the products that I am selling and my wish for my business in 2015, is for this awareness to continue to grow.