Occidental Mindoro lone district Rep. Leody “Odie” Tarriela intends to help small-scale enterprises "graduate" into bigger ones, as well as inccrease the number of businesses in the country overall as a medium term goal.

This, after Tarriela was designated as chairman of the House Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development in the 20th Congress.

Tarriela noted that as of 2023, there are 1,246,373 business enterprises operating in the Philippines. Of the total, 1,241,761 or 99.63 percent are MSMEs, with more than 90 percent or 1,127,058 being micro enterprises.

“The goal in the medium term should be to at least have two million business enterprises in the country. Also, for the micro, to progress to small, to medium, and eventually to large scale enterprises," he said.

"In the process, we industrialize, create more jobs, and achieve economic and social progress, especially in the country side," continued Tarriela.

The solon described MSMEs as the backbone of the country’s economy.

“Mula sa mga sari-sari store at karinderya, hanggang sa mga maliliit na mga pabrika, ito ang pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng karamihan sa ating mga mamamayan. Ito din ang nagbibigay ng hanapbuhay sa 67 percent, o dalawa sa bawat tatlong mga Filipino," Tarriela said.

(From neighborhood convenience stores and local eateries to small factories, they are the primary source of livelihood for the majority of our citizens, providing jobs to 67 percent, or two out of every three Filipinos.)

Alluding to his panel chairmanship, the Luzon congressman reckoned that the challenge was to make it easier for MSMEs not just to do business, but to develop.

"We can pass legislation for their exemption from payment of business permits, or at least very minimal cost, say P500 for micro enterprises. Their permit should be processed in a day.

"We can create more markets for them by granting them spaces in big malls, mandating the government to increase its procurement requirements from MSMEs, among other legislative initiatives," explained Tarriela.

In this regard, Tarriela batted for a whole of government approach.

"Example, a push in tourism will mean a boost in our accommodation and service industries. Focus on farming and agri business will also address our issue of food security. A thrust in manufacturing has the potential for more downstream industries and greater employment," he said.