25 April 2025, 9:30 AM | SMX Convention Center

Esteemed colleagues from the government, good morning. Of course, Ambassador Malik, good morning. Stephen Tan, good morning. And all the members of the private sector. I won’t name you now so I can get on with my speech. Good morning to everyone. Of course, to the diplomatic corps, good morning. Valued partners from the Philippine Franchising Association, our dedicated media colleagues, aspiring exhibitors and entrepreneurs, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, of course, Tim Benitez, good morning.

It is my honor to stand before you today at the opening of the Philippine Franchise Asia Philippines 2025. This gathering is a vibrant testament to the dynamism and resilience of the Philippine franchising sector. A key pillar in uplifting MSMEs towards advancing and achieving the Marcos administration’s goal of creating a vibrant and sustainable economy in this Bagong Pilipinas.

I really believe in franchise. This is really the only way also for us to move forward, especially for those that are in the sunset industry already. So definitely the Department of Trade and Industry will really push for franchising and the Philippine Franchising Association is the lead in this. So, we look forward to really working closely together on a more aggressive basis this time. For both local and also for the OFWs, which the remittance says is quite a large amount. I think you need to focus on that. USD 40 billion every year. Let’s not put their money to waste. Let’s give them a chance to grow the business and to also give them a chance to earn money so they can come home and be with family and also to have a better life. So, let’s go for this Philippine Franchising Association.

At the DTI, we recognize franchising as a powerful engine for economic development. It is a proven pathway for micro, small, and medium enterprises to earn higher profits and reach greater heights. Franchising offers aspiring entrepreneurs established business models, brand recognition, and ongoing support. It creates countless jobs and fosters entrepreneurial spirit across the nation.

DTI has funds for franchising, loan for franchising. So please tell those who get the franchise, they can take advantage of this loan. And no interest and principal payment for one year. So they can get ahead. So definitely, DTI will support the franchising business.

We are committed to nurturing an ecosystem through various programs and initiatives designed to support business expansion, and create enabling business environment for both local and international players.

Let’s also encourage our kababayans abroad to franchise also abroad. Because some are already settled there. They already live there. So we can also focus on that. If any of the companies that want to franchise abroad, just approach me and we’ll make that thing happen. We want an aggressive approach on this. The President wants us to really push the Philippine industries, especially the MSMEs also, especially the SMEs going forward.

The Philippines continues to be an attractive destination for investment. And the franchising sector presents immense opportunity for growth. Events like Franchise Asia are vital platforms to showcase the best of Filipino ingenuity alongside international brands.

Before I end, allow me to commend the Philippine Franchise Association for its unwavering dedication to promoting franchise as a key driver for national development and MSME development. Your efforts in organizing this world-class expo year after year is truly instrumental.

Together, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration highlighted by this year’s theme. Aside from this, we have a whole government approach already on getting things done. We work secretary to secretary to make sure that, especially we have three years to go in the Marcos administration. So, we really want to get things done. So, if you need anything from other departments, please feel free to message me.

Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to leverage our collective strength to unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and build a more prosperous future for all Filipinos.

Together, we can build a Bagong Pilipinas where no one is left behind. We must always remember, alone we can do so little, together we can do a lot.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang lokal na industriya ng Bagong Pilipinas. ♦

Date of Release: 25 April 2025

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