Brian Yamsuan on Friday called on Congress to pass a measure aimed at accelerating the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding their access to both local and global supply chains.
The Parañaque City 2nd District lawmaker said stronger integration of MSMEs into larger production networks would help generate more jobs and widen economic participation.
He underscored the sector’s crucial role in the economy, noting that MSMEs make up 99.6% of businesses nationwide and employ about 67% of the country’s workforce.
“Maraming negosyo nagsisimula ng maliit. May mga nagsisimula sa pagbebenta ng home-cooked meals, nagtatayo ng maliit na panaderya o nagpo-provide ng iba’t ibang services.”
Yamsuan pointed out that many small enterprises remain stuck in low-value segments despite having the potential to scale up.
“Many of them have the potential to become big, but they remain confined within their communities and low-value segments of the economy. This is what we want to change.”
Under House Bill No. 6599, Yamsuan proposed the creation of a National Supplier Development Fund with an initial ₱1 billion allocation, to be managed by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The fund would assist MSMEs identified by large corporations, or “anchor firms,” as prospective suppliers. Support would cover equipment upgrades, technology acquisition, training, and certification.
He further explained:
“A large anchor firm that successfully integrates a new local MSME into its direct supply chain for at least two consecutive years with verifiable evidence of technology or skills development, shall be entitled to an additional tax deduction equivalent to 150% of the total cost of training and technology transfer expenses provided to that MSME.”
The measure also directs the DTI to establish a “Tatak Pinoy Suppliers” Digital Matchmaking Platform — a searchable database of pre-qualified MSMEs that corporations can tap as suppliers.
As of 2023, the Philippines had over one million MSMEs, contributing around 40% of gross domestic product and approximately 25% of export revenues.