Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro has cited the contribution of retail chain Puregold in supporting micro and small entrepreneurs in the country, especially the 150,000 members who belong to its “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” program.

De Castro, a guest speaker of the recently concluded Puregold’s 5th “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” Sari-Sari Store convention held at the World Trade Center, said that such programs have helped spawn the growth of sari-sari (mom and pop) stores in the country.

“Despite the proliferation of shopping malls and supermarkets, and convenience and community stores, we see the development of more sari-sari stores in the country especially with the support of big retailers like Puregold,” said De Castro.

There are currently about 80,000 sari-sari stores in the country, which means there is one sari-sari store catering to 125 Filipinos, he said.

“We expect this number to grow more through the help of Puregold,” he added.

De Castro said this partnership between sari-sari store owners and Puregold ensures not only livelihood and job opportunities but also the preservation and continuity of a much-endeared Filipino institution, the sari-sari store.

He said sari-sari stores have become a popular and successful business line because they embody the Filipino traits and values of courage and determination, friendliness, and unity.

“Like the ordinary Filipino, a sari-sari store may be small but it is determined to grow and prosper. It is likewise brave to compete against the bigger ones. It is also a friendly corner store, and is considered an integral part of families in the community. And by its name, it is a variety store. Filipinos may be different from each other but have a sense of unity,” said the vice-president.

De Castro added that sari-sari stores also reflect the good Filipino traits of being kind and helpful.

De Castro said even families of overseas Filipino workers who own sari-sari-stores have benefited from Puregold’s “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” program.