Marcos to push for welfare of Filipino MSMEs at APEC Summit

BUSAN, South Korea - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Thursday that he would advance the welfare of Filipino MSMEs at the 2025 APEC Summit.

"In the coming days, while participating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Gyeongju, I will push for initiatives that directly impact the daily lives of our people [and] support micro, small, and medium enterprises," Marcos said during his meeting with the Filipino community.

''Dahil po halos 99% po ng negosyo lalo na sa Pilipinas ay MSME kaya’t kailangan po nating alagaan ang mga nagpapatayo ng maliliit na negosyo para naman sila ay mapalago, hindi naman sila naiiwanan sa mga oportunidad na nandiyan basta maipaalam natin sa kanila; digital trade opportunities and food and energy security and create sustainable jobs for our workers both at home and abroad," he added.

(Since almost 99% of businesses, especially in the Philippines, are MSMEs, we need to take care of those who are building small businesses so that they can grow. They will not be left behind in the opportunities that are out there as long as we inform them; digital trade opportunities and food and energy security and create sustainable jobs for our workers both at home and abroad.)

Marcos also plans to use the economic forum to engage countries about the impact of climate change. 

''I always describe climate change as the first truly global problem. And the reason I call it that is every single citizen of the world is affected by climate change,'' Marcos said.

''And furthermore, the only solution to climate change is for every single citizen of the world also to contribute,'' he added.

Marcos also told the Filipino community that he would be meeting with business leaders and partner governments to promote greater investment in Philippine industries such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. 

''Every collaboration we create means more livelihoods, more learning, and more hope for Filipino families,'' Marcos said.

''Our participation in APEC 2025 shows that the Philippines is an active and responsible partner in building a more innovative, fairer, and interconnected Asia-Pacific region,'' he added. — VBL, GMA Integrated News