MANILA, Philippines – With the country still confronting the effects of the global financial crisis, President Arroyo has declared “Go Negosyo: Ang Sagot sa Kahirapan” as the banner program of the administration.

An advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), Go Negosyo “encourages everyone to take charge and make the most of their resources and abilities by utilizing and transforming these into viable enterprises.”

Under Executive Order 793 issued by the President last month, the membership of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMED) chaired by the Secretary of Trade and Industry has also been expanded.

“Part of the 10-point program of the administration is to create six- to 10-million jobs and support three million entrepreneurs. There is a need to integrate government-private sector efforts in developing MSMEs,” it said.

Now that Go Negosyo has become the banner program of the administration, the President also consolidated the entire MSME development and promotion campaign under one banner to be called simply “Negosyo” as she encouraged local officials to become Negosyo champions.

Headed by its founding trustee, Jose Ma. Concepcion III of RFM, the PCE promotes Go Negosyo through forums, multi-media campaigns, books and other printed materials.