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Negros Occidental celebrates inclusive growth with MSMEs and Seniors

The participants in the MSME and Senior Citizens Day.*Richard Malihan photo

Negros Occidental  Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson stressed the importance of inclusive growth and intergenerational development during the joint celebration of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and Senior Citizens Day.

The event, held at the  Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Monday, July 28,  highlighted the province’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in its progress.

“In bringing together the MSME sector and our elderly community today, we affirm a vital principle: that progress must be inclusive,” Lacson said,

He noted that many senior citizens actively participate in local enterprises, and the provincial government provides targeted assistance to support their involvement.

“We want them to be MSMEs,” he added, citing various forms of cash assistance provided to senior entrepreneurs.


Lacson called the MSMEs  the “lifeblood of our local economy,” recognizing their resilience and creativity, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 MSMEs comprise over 90 percent of the province’s business establishments, serving as “engines of growth” and “symbols of grit, creativity, and community building”, he said.

The provincial government remains dedicated to supporting MSMEs through enhanced access to markets, training, improved infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives, Lacson said.

He highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other agencies to foster a thriving environment for local businesses.

“We will continue to partner with the Department of Trade and Industry and other stakeholders to build an environment where our local businesses can scale up and reach broader markets—while staying proudly Negrense,” he said.

Paying tribute to the senior citizens present, Lacson described them as “pillars of wisdom, strength, and social harmony” who continue to guide communities with their experience.

 He reiterated the province’s commitment to the elderly, citing  the establishment of the Senior Citizens Center, which aims to keep them active, empowered, and included.

During the program, ten partner People’s Organizations (POs) under the Provincial Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) received kitchen tools and equipment.

These organizations had successfully completed livelihood skills training and monitoring, and the equipment will help sustain their ventures.

The  PGNO-assisted senior citizens were honored with the Bulawan, Pilak, and Balik Salig Awards, recognizing their ongoing engagement and service to the community.*

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