The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and P.J. Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) allowing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to transact through a web portal at Cebuana Lhuillier outlets to further promote ease of doing business and digitalization of their operation.
PJLI, through its Cebuana Lhuillier branches, is one of the leading and largest non-bank financial services provider in the Philippines operating more than 2,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide.
DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Blesilda Lantayona signed the MOU together with DTI-Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development OIC-Director and Negosyo Center Program Manager Emma Asusano, and P.J. Lhuillier Chief Finance Officer Filemon Cabungcal and PJLI’s Finance Business Management Partner Michael Contreras.
The collaboration stipulates commitments toward the development of a digital platform to strengthen business information and advocacy.
Complementary with the Negosyo Centers’ role to provide access to DTI services such as Business Registration, the MOU also seeks to implement the proposed project entitled “MSME Business and Shared Services Center”.
Under this project, a web portal will be created to assist MSMEs on their business needs such as financing, micro-insurance, micro-investments, business advisory, and payment and settlement options.
The said portal will be accessible in any web browser and in kiosks to be located in selected branches of Cebuana Lhuillier.
Lantayona cited PJLI for its effort in supporting MSME development through this digital initiative that will contribute to inclusive growth and aid the government in digitalizing its public services and processes.
With the 1,355 Negosyo Centers established all over the country as of December 31, 2022, and the Negosyo Center Online Portal, Lantayona believes that the partnership will surely sail through.
In response to the call of His Excellency, President ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on the adoption of a public-private partnership system to assist start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in growing their businesses