The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) to open up more opportunities for Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by helping them become part of the supply chains of larger businesses.
Through a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the DTI and JFC will roll out training programs, mentorship, and business development support aimed at equipping qualified MSMEs with the tools and skills needed to meet the quality, volume, and operational standards required by large corporations.
“We are planning our next learning session set in July,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, noting that a pilot run of the program launched last year included around 35 participants.
Initially focused on food producers, the program is now expanding its scope. JFC representative Tiongson explained: “Last year we only focused on the food producers. But as you know, as a company, we also have packaging requirements, we also have construction requirements.”
Roque emphasized that supporting local MSMEs is central to her administration’s agenda, calling them essential drivers of inclusive economic growth.
According to DTI records, there were 1,241,733 registered MSMEs in the Philippines in 2023, making up 99.63% of the country’s 1,246,373 total registered business establishments.
The collaboration with Jollibee reflects DTI’s continuing efforts to bridge small businesses with large corporations, creating more inclusive and resilient supply chains across industries.