DTI, Jollibee team up to help small enterprises join big supply chains
From left: JFC vice president and head of public affairs Raul Academia, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, JFC Philippines CEO and head for Jollibee Global Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Foundation president Ma. Gisela Tiongson —PHOTO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has signed an agreement with fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. to open more opportunities for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by helping them become part of the supply chains of larger businesses.
They inked a memorandum of understanding that will provide training, mentorship and business development support to qualified MSMEs.
READ: The Jollibee story: Lessons on leadership
The program aims to equip small enterprises with the skills and resources needed to meet the quality, volume and operational standards required by large companies.
“We are planning our next learning session set in July,” DTI Secretary Cristina Roque says.
According to the trade chief, a pilot run of the program was launched last year with around 35 participants.
Meanwhile, Jollibee Group Foundation president Gisela Tiongson says they aim to gather around 100 participants for the program.
READ: Jollibee Group’s inclusive business practice boosts Filipino farmers’ productivity, income
“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,” Tiongson said.Roque consistently highlights the need to support local MSMEs, framing it as a key pillar of her policy agenda. She also cites their crucial contribution to sustaining and driving the country’s economic growth.
According to the DTI’s records, there were 1,241,733 registered MSMEs in the Philippines in 2023.
These enterprises made up an overwhelming 99.63 percent of the country’s total 1,246,373 registered business establishments.
