President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stressed the need for a system similar to the public-private partnership (PPP) style to support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Marcos said this in a situation briefing by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s Western Visayas regional office on Sunday, October 23.

In his remarks, the President noted that the DTI has numerous projects that support start-up businesses and MSMEs.

However, he said the agency should come up with a system that will connect them with private financiers and investors to help them sustain and grow their business.

"We should be ready to bring our support one step further," Marcos said.

According to the President, the system should help MSMEs find information and private companies and entities that would help them enhance their business.

"There should be a support system to assist start-ups and our MSMEs by opening doors to new connections, get them to the digital world to help them connect with private companies for support," he said.

Marcos said the DTI should ramp up efforts to introduce the new businesses to the public so that those who may be interested in joining or supporting the business may do so.

"Make people aware of these businesses," he told the DTI.

"Madaming magaganda (There are plenty of good businesses there), so that we can find people to partner with them," he added.

In his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to working "hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to make certain that MSMEs are protected and provided with ample opportunities."