KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) – The towns of Altavas in the eastern part of Aklan and Malay on the western part will be playing hosts to Aklan's Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (PMSMED) Council when the group goes to these towns to hold advocacy programs for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in their respective areas.

According to Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., Department of Trade and Industry-Aklan Provincial Director, the advocacy program for Malay will be held on July 8 while that of Altavas will be on July 9.

"This activity is part of our commitment to continuously promote, support, strengthen, and encourage the growth and development of MSMEs in Aklan," Engr. Cadena said.

In the advocacy programs in Altavas and Malay, portfolio managers of PMSMED Council will present the programs and services related to Business and Investment Enabling Environment (BIEE), Access to Finance (A2F), Access to Market (A2M), and Productivity and Efficiency (P&E).

Relevant issues and concerns of MSMEs are hoped to be addressed during the open forum, while a one-on-one consultation with the MSMEs concerning BIEE, A2F, A2M and P&E may also be scheduled to attend to the needs of MSMEs.

The advocacy, according to DTI-Aklan, is expected to encourage the towns of Malay and Altavas to establish a Municipal MSMED Desks and for the respective mayors to designate coordinators to help address the needs of MSMEs in the areas.

The Aklan PMSMED is an interagency body mandated under Republic Act 9501, known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is attached to the Department of Trade and Industry.

The council is composed of both national government agencies and private sector groups and was organized in January 1996. It was the first PMSMED Council to be organized in Western Visayas through DTI-Aklan and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Just recently, the council was strengthened further through the creation of the PMSMED Council and its working committees through Executive Order No. 16 issued by Governor Carlito S. Marquez.

In the strengthening of the council, Gov. Marquez said MSMEs have the potential for more employment generation and economic growth and can help provide a self-sufficient industrial foundation for the country in general and the province in particular.