“Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of many economies, representing 95 percent of all companies worldwide and accounting for 60 percent of employment. Many MSMEs depend on international trade for their activities, either because they export their products through direct or indirect channels, or because they import inputs to manufacture the products that they sell domestically. They are major employers of women and young people, and a key driver of innovation,” this was the official statement of the World Trade Organization in their article released last June 3, 2020 about MSMEs initiatives in the midst of this pandemic. MSMEs are more likely to be exposed to the distraught brought about by the coronavirus because of our limited financial resources and borrowing capacity and because of the disproportionate presence of the social distancing etiquette for Covid-19 and transport disruptions. 

But amidst the onset of the pandemic, just like any other problems we already had, there are still initiatives that keep most MSMEs afloat. Here are five great initiatives that humbled us into going on:

• SIKAP- Synergizing Recovery Initiatives, Knowledge, and Adaptation Practices for MSMEs

This is a unified online business recovery hub that aims to help MSMEs bounce forward to the “next normal.” SIKAP is an all in one source of practical and useful business tips, available loan programs from government agencies and private sector organizations, and mentorship opportunities for MSMEs. SIKAP was developed by PDRF with the support of Connecting Business Initiative and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Rights. This all in one platform provides innovation and practical choices for MSMEs to run to when things get rough. One of the  widely known tips they gave is their call for action for MSMEs to engage businesses online. Connect with people through Instagram, Facebook, Email Address, the list simply goes on. 

• Go Digital ASEAN Initiative

The launch of the Go Digital ASEAN initiative aims to train up to 200,000 people from rural and underserved communities. The initiative is a joint collaboration between The Asia Foundation and The ASEAN coordination Committee on MSME (ACCMSME); and in support of Google.org with a USD3.3m grant. The initiative aims to equip MSME and the underemployed youth with crucial digital skills and tools; expand economic opportunity across ASEAN Member States (ASM); and to minimise the negative impact from the crisis. Go Digital ASEAN will provide access to information, training, mentoring and networking opportunities that will increase the awareness and readiness of MSMEs. It will offer lessons and assistance that will help support their continued operation. With coronavirus shaking the core of most businesses, it is important to move forward and keep up with the trend. This initiative is beneficial especially to MSMEs who still have a lot to learn in the online industry. 

• World Bank Organization’s SMEs Finance

A key area of the World Bank Group’s work is to improve SMEs’ access to finance and find innovative solutions to unlock sources of capital. Their approach is holistic, combining advisory and lending services to clients to increase the contribution that SMEs can make to the economy including underserved segments such as women owned SMEs. Advisory and Policy Support for SME finance mainly includes diagnostics, implementation support, global advocacy and knowledge sharing of good practice. 

• United Nations’ MSMEs Day on June 27

The General Assembly declared 27 June Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, to raise public awareness of their contribution to sustainable development and the global economy. This movement was broadcasted to the entire country and featured struggling entrepreneurs striving to get by. This served as an inspiration to many and as a support local campaign at the same time. 

• DTI Philippines’ 2020 National MSME Resilience E-Forum 

This initiative is a three day seminar that locks on how MSMEs can survive this pandemic through the help of local government initiatives. This focused on the adapt and recover side of the pandemic and SMEs and capacity building in the midst of Covid-19. 

In the end, we take comfort in the fact that we will never be alone in our fight to push through this pandemic. So far, the Malagos Garden Resort Pandemic Action to fight Covid-19 has been to close our doors to everyone and shift to an online platform that delivers fresh homegrown produce right to your doorstep. Perhaps this is now Davao resorts’ new normal. And perhaps it will not change anytime soon. But the most important thing is to always keep on striving. Let us start helping our locals build what we have. Let us support local, buy local, and consciously, go local.