In a developing nation’s economy, two gears must turn in perfect sync to generate real, inclusive prosperity: the spirit of entrepreneurship and the dignity of labor. As an advocate for the Filipino entrepreneur for more than 20 years now, and now one who is tasked with the private sector’s commitment to jobs, I am fortunate to have the vantage point at the intersection of policy and practice. Here, I can see that the path forward for our nation is not just more jobs, but a robust ecosystem of job creators. We need more than workers; we need a future-ready workforce. At the heart of this transformation lies Trabaho at Negosyo – Jobs and Enterprise.

For decades, the traditional economic narrative was that employment is a byproduct of large-scale industrialization or foreign outsourcing. While these remain vital, we have often overlooked the most potent engine of growth sitting right in our neighborhoods: the MSMEs. They comprise almost all of business establishments in the Philippines and employ more than 60 percent of our workforce. Time and again, they have proven to be not just the bedrock of our communities, but also the primary shock absorbers of our economy during global crises.

Its success hinges on the cooperation between the public and private sectors. No government can create lasting prosperity in a vacuum, and conversely, no private sector can flourish in an environment of uncertainty or bureaucratic friction.

I am thankful to the President for declaring the government’s commitment to creating a fair, transparent and enabling business environment. I am also thankful to the past administrations for increasing efforts to streamline processes, reduce the cost of doing business and eliminate the “red tape” that has historically stifled Filipino ingenuity. By fostering an entrepreneur-friendly climate, the government sends a clear signal that the Philippines is open for business, and the rules of the game are fair.

This enabling environment is the “soil” in which our enterprises grow. When the government ensures transparency and the rule of law, it lowers the risk for the private sector to invest, innovate and expand. This partnership allows us to move beyond temporary “band-aid” solutions for unemployment and toward the creation of sustainable, long-term industries.

But as we build this environment, we must address a critical challenge: the rapidly changing nature of work. The global economy is undergoing a seismic shift driven by digital technology, AI and automation. The jobs of yesterday are disappearing, and the jobs of tomorrow require a level of technical proficiency and creative problem-solving that our educational system must try to address.

That means we need to upskill and reskill the Filipino workforce: transition from being a “source of labor” to a “source of talent.” Filipino workers must be equipped to move up the value chain: from low-skill, low-wage roles to high-value, high-paying positions, no matter what industry they are in.

Upskilling is the bridge between Trabaho at Negosyo. When our workers are highly skilled, our businesses become more competitive on the global stage. When our businesses are competitive, they generate higher revenues, which in turn allow for higher wages and better benefits. This virtuous cycle is the only way to ensure that the Filipino worker is not left behind by the digital revolution.

The private sector will hold up its end, working alongside academic institutions and government agencies like DOLE, TESDA, DepEd and the DTI. We need “industry-led” training programs where businesses define the skills they need, and the educational system delivers them. This ensures that our graduates are job-ready and future-proof professionals.

Imagine a Philippines where migration is a choice, not a necessity. For too long, our greatest export has been our people. While the remittances of our OFWs have kept our economy afloat, the social cost of separated families and the “brain drain” of our brightest minds is a price too high to pay if this goes on indefinitely. Building a strong local economy anchored on a robust MSME sector and a tech-savvy workforce creates a “Homecoming Economy” where a Filipino engineer, nurse or programmer can find a job at home that offers the same dignity, growth and compensation as a job in Dubai, Singapore or London.

When we promote entrepreneurship, we encourage our overseas Pinoys to bring their skills and capital back home to start their own businesses. We want them to transition from being employees abroad to being employers here. This is how we build a resilient domestic market that can withstand global economic shifts – by ensuring that our best and brightest have a reason to stay and a platform to succeed.

Global economic shifts, inflation and the rapid pace of technological change will continue to be challenges. But once we pair the Filipino never-say-die spirit with a strategic framework that prioritizes the synergy of Jobs and Enterprise; when we continue to advocate for policies that provide MSMEs with better access to credit, mentorship and global markets; and when we push for an education system that teaches our children not just how to follow instructions, but how to identify problems and create solutions – even enterprises – I believe that yes, the Filipino can.

 Originally Published in Philippine Star