Two Decades of Championing Entrepreneurship in the Philippines

October 6, 2025

As I reflect on the 20 years since founding Go Negosyo, I am reminded of the journey that has empowered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to rise to their role of becoming a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. Since 2005 and until now, it is clear that to champion entrepreneurship, I needed to build essential partnerships with the government and rally support from the private sector.

The success of Go Negosyo has always hinged on collaboration. From its inception, the partnership between government and the private sector has been pivotal. When I was appointed as the Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the same year I founded Go Negosyo, it marked the beginning of a harmonious alliance aimed at creating an enabling environment for MSMEs. This partnership inspired the launch of nationwide entrepreneurship caravans and sectoral dialogues that have empowered countless entrepreneurs throughout the Philippines.

Through these initiatives, I saw how effective collaboration can lead to significant results. For instance, the entrepreneurship mentoring caravans not only provided access to resources but also facilitated networking opportunities among the entrepreneurs themselves. This exchange of ideas and experiences has proven invaluable for the MSMEs that participated in our activities.

Moreover, the role of the government in this partnership cannot be overstated. Policies that support entrepreneurship, such as access to funding and training, have been critical in helping MSMEs thrive. The government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment has encouraged many aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and start their own ventures. This collaboration has not only provided the necessary resources and support for MSMEs but has also fostered a culture of entrepreneurship that is vital for economic growth and resilience. The lessons learned from our experiences with past administrations underscore the need for continued cooperation and innovation.

During the tenure of former president Rodrigo Duterte, our advocacy evolved in response to emerging challenges. The introduction of the KMME (Kapatid Mentor Me Program) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry proved that collaborating with government agencies can amplify the efforts of private sector. And when we scaled up KMME into the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network, it showed how a Filipino original can transform our neighboring countries’ MSMEs.

Furthermore, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, our A Dose of Hope initiative exemplified the power of private-public partnerships in crisis management. Recognizing the devastating impact of the pandemic on businesses, Go Negosyo mobilized resources and collaborated with various stakeholders to support MSMEs. Initiatives included providing access to vaccines for employees and launching digital platforms to help businesses pivot to online operations.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Go Negosyo broadened its reach, focusing on untapped entrepreneur groups such as women, youth and overseas Filipinos. The First Lady’s LAB for All social and medical services caravan enabled us to take our entrepreneurship to more communities. The President’s prioritization of agriculture and food security dovetailed and fueled our drive to create agripreneurs of our farmers and expand what we began with Kapatid Agri Mentor ME Program, and allowed us to evolve it to Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program and to the region-wide ASEAN Food Security Alliance.

Our experience affirms that we need to rally even more support from the private sector to ensure that our initiatives are sustainable and impactful. The private sector has a vital role to play in this ongoing narrative. By investing in MSMEs and providing mentorship, resources and market access, big-brother corporations can help cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. This partnership is an investment in the future of our economy. When large corporations invest in MSMEs, they create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community, leading to job creation and competitiveness in the region.

An essential aspect of supporting MSMEs is providing access to education and training, most especially the future generation of entrepreneurs. We set up programs dedicated to working with the education sector and introduced public school students to the entrepreneurial mindset and financial literacy. There is so much potential in this collaboration between the private sector, government and educational institutions to create the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The success of Go Negosyo is a collective achievement. It is a reminder of what can be accomplished when we unite for our hardworking small entrepreneurs. We must continue to advocate for them and ensure that they have access to financing, training and markets.

Moving forward beyond our second decade, several key actions must be prioritized. We must continue to strengthen public-private partnerships and collaborations with the government. We must invest in education and training programs to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to adapt to a changing business environment. The private sector must continue to actively support MSMEs through mentorship, funding and access to markets to build a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Inclusivity is also crucial; empowering groups such as women and the youth with the right tools and resources is vital for their success. Finally, embracing innovation by encouraging MSMEs to adopt digital tools will enhance their competitiveness in an evolving market.

Even as I look back at the milestone that is the 20th year of Go Negosyo, I never fail to remind myself that there is much more work to be done. The difference between now and 2005 is that I am reassured that there are so many Filipinos in the private sector who are willing to help our entrepreneurs, and that our business and government leaders appreciate the role of MSMEs in achieving a more inclusive and prosperous economy for generations of Filipinos to come.

Originally Published in Philippine Star