I spent my birthday last week with the people who matter most to me: my family. All that time, I kept receiving warm greetings that just filled my heart with gratitude for the life I have. Greetings came from close personal and family friends, and from people I’ve had the privilege of working with these past few years. People from my job at RFM and from my work at Go Negosyo, the heads of the big-brother companies, government officials, the subject-matter experts I’ve met through the years and countless small entrepreneurs who’ve sent their greetings over social media.

Reflecting on this, I realize that I would never have had the opportunity to engage with such a diverse array of individuals had it not been for my work with MSMEs. The breadth and scope of this sector is truly astounding, and it has given me a deeper appreciation for the integral role that these businesses play in our society and our economy.

The country’s biggest malls, for instance, are dependent on the network of small entrepreneurs who supply them with the merchandise that fill their stores. Even the constant emergence of new, innovative kiosks and pop-ups in these malls helps keep the shopping experience fresh and exciting. Beyond the retail sector, manufacturing companies, agricultural giants and real estate developers, all rely heavily on the thriving ecosystem of MSMEs. The health and success of these small businesses are crucial in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Their prosperity is linked to the wealth and well-being of not only their owners and employees, but also the larger community of the big corporations.

Birthdays are a time for reflection. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that time is a precious commodity. That one has only so much time on this earth can guide one to his purpose and priorities. One realizes, for example, that true success is not defined solely by one’s individual efforts, but by the collaborative spirit that one is able to cultivate and inspire in others.

Birthdays are also a time for thanksgiving. Being able to run one of the country’s largest corporations, for example, is thanks largely to the mentorship of my grandfather and my father. Moreover, the support of a competent team and a loving family makes it possible for me to carry out my duties.

None of my achievements would have been possible without the support of like-minded organizations, including PCCI, PFA, PRA, MBC, MAP, PMA, WomenBiz, SEIPI, PALSCON, Proptech, RestoPH, SCMAP, PHOA, PCA, PAMPI, PMAP, ECCP, IBPAP, Fil Indian Chamber, FFCCIII, KCCP, AMCHAM Ph, British Chamber, ECCP, CONWEP, ICSB, DSAP, DCOM, the Philippine Bankers Association, the Rural Bankers Association, the Chamber of Thrift Banks, the Anvil Business Club, MCPI, PhilWen, FINEX, AFFI and CEAP.

I am also deeply grateful for allies in the government, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Migrant Workers and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

Family has always played a pivotal role in my life. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of family and the value of maintaining a good reputation. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand the significance of legacy even more profoundly. The good name that one leaves behind is a precious gift to one’s children, and it is a legacy that I have strived to uphold and pass on to my own children.

I firmly believe that one can only accumulate so much wealth, as material possessions cannot be taken with us when we leave this world. What truly endures is the positive impact we have made on the lives of others and the good name we leave behind. My greatest wish is for more MSMEs to scale up and flourish so that micro entrepreneurs become small entrepreneurs, the small become medium-sized businesses and the medium-sized enterprises grow into large, successful companies. It is in this way that we can create a sustainable, resilient and thriving economic ecosystem with a large, strong base.

Every small business owner whose face lights up with hope and renewed determination because of our collective efforts is a source of profound inspiration to me. For them, and for the future of our nation, we must continue to work together, leverage our resources and create an environment that empowers every MSME to reach its full potential. Their success is our success, and with every small business we help, we take one step closer to our ultimate goal: bringing prosperity and growth to all.

Originally Published in Philippine Star