Emphasizing that industries are continually reshaped by digital technology, rendering some skills irrelevant, President Marcos has encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the free mentorship and upskilling offered by a non-profit organization.

Marcos graced the launch of Go Negosyo's "Trabaho at Negosyo" at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday, March 6, where he stressed that Filipinos are capable of keeping up with today's "uncertain world."

Thus, he underscored the need for workers to learn new skills and business owners to tap into the assistance offered to their sector.

"What many of us have studied and developed a decade—or even just a couple of years ago— are sometimes we find no longer relevant," Marcos said.

"Industries are being reshaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence, or AI. Traditional jobs are transforming. The skills that were once optional, now they are essential. Naniniwala ako kayang makasabay naman ang mga Pilipino (I believe Filipinos are capable of keeping up)," he added.

The President emphasized that Filipinos are capable and resourceful. They just need to maintain confidence, not be afraid of technology, and take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

"Tulad na lamang ng pagkakataong ibinibigay ngayong araw—ang Trabaho at Negosyo, na programa ng Go Negosyo (Like the opportunities available today—the Trabaho at Negosyo, a program of Go Negosyo)," Marcos said.

"Dito, may learning session kasama ang industry expert at thought leaders at magbabahagi ng kanilang kaalaman at karanasan sa larangan ng pagnenegosyo (Here, there is a learning session with industry experts and thought leaders who will share their knowledge and experiences in the field of entrepreneurship)," Marcos said.

He added that there was also a job fair that connects Filipino workers with employers from different sectors.

"Kaya’t hinihikayat ko po kayong lahat dito na pakinabangan ang learning session, gamitin po ninyo ang kaalaman mula doon upang mapalakas pa ang kakayanan ninyo dito sa trabaho at negosyo (Therefore, I encourage all of you here to make the most of the learning session. Use the knowledge you gain from it to further strengthen your abilities in your work and business)," Marcos said.

"Because when we build skills, we build confidence. When we create jobs, we restore the dignity of our people. And when we strengthen our economic foundations, we build a stronger nation for tomorrow," Marcos added.

In putting up the "Trabaho at Negosyo" event, Go Negosyo founder and Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chair Joey Concepcion said they aim to give Filipinos two options—to get a job or start a business.

"So 'trabaho at negosyo' is very important. This should be our focus. In other words, hiring more people will help our country grow. Providing mentorship, money, and market for our MSMEs is very critical because we don't want them to remain as micro and small," Concepcion said in his remarks during the event.

The Go Negosyo founder also said that organizing such events is in line with the Philippines' goal to make its hosting of ASEAN this year inclusive up to the small businesses and ordinary citizens.

"So as we host the ASEAN, many of our people will not understand what ASEAN is all about, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. And this is why we have envisioned an event such as this that will be starting— we will start it as we hold our meetings here and as we hold the final big event— which is towards mid-October to November—  what you call the ASEAN Business and Investments Summit," Concepcion said.

"But, seriously speaking, we are here, we want this ASEAN hosting to be inclusive to all, not just to us in big business," he also said.

The event brought together key public-private stakeholders to expand job opportunities for communities, support upskilling and reskilling for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create a dynamic platform where job seekers can connect directly with businesses.  

Highlighting MSMEs as vital engines of inclusive growth and employment creation, the program featured plenary learning sessions, a job fair, business mentoring sessions, and partner booths.

In his speech, Marcos recognized the contribution of the private sector in empowering small businesses, calling them "champions of MSMEs."

He commended Concepcion for his decades-long commitment to the sector, saying "Joey has been doing this for decades and it is clearly a labor of love for him and we should be very grateful to have champions for MSMEs like Joey."

The President emphasized that many Filipinos started with small dreams—a food cart on a street corner, a stall in a bazaar, or an online store run from their homes.

However, he added, starting and growing a business is not as easy as they continue to face various challenges such as a lack of capital, limited access to customers and markets, and the rapid changes in the economy and technology.

Marcos cited the role of Negosyo Center, where government services are brought closer to entrepreneurs, where they can receive advice, access mentorship, and get support to bring their businesses closer to customers.

Go Negosyo's advocacy, Marcos said, complements this program of the government.

"Sa layuning ito ng pamahalaan, katuwang natin ang ating mga kaibigan at partners sa pribadong sektor (In this initiative of the government, we are partnering with our friends and partners in the private sector)," he said.

"Through the advocacy of Go Negosyo, we promote a positive mindset towards business—not as a last resort, but as a strong complement to our collective role in nation-building," Marcos said.

 "Truly, we cannot diminish the role of the private sector in helping the government address employment gaps—from identifying skills needed by industry to easing the path of doing business in the country," he added.