QUEZON City Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte on Friday announced that the local government has joined forces with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a bid to provide support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based in the city.
In an interview with The Manila Times, she said the partnership is designed for the Bigyang-halaga, Bangon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (BBMSME) program.
The tie-up was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) that the mayor also said she signed with FDA Director-General Samuel Zacate held also on Friday at Quezon City Hall.
The agreement is primarily aimed at providing technical assistance and training on regulatory compliance, product registration and other relevant topics for the MSMEs.
The collaboration also aims to streamline the registration process, making it easier and more accessible for the enterprises to comply with FDA regulations, Belmonte said.
“We recognize the value of our MSMEs and their contribution to the local economy. This partnership will propel them forward as they seek the important certification from FDA to confirm the safety, efficacy and quality of their food and cosmetic products,” she added.
Zacate said the partnership will largely help the city-based MSMEs as the FDA will provide them the resources they need in order to succeed.
“This includes access to training, technical assistance and support in complying with regulatory requirements,” he added.
The FDA is in charge of ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs and other consumer products in the market.
Belmonte and Zacate agreed that supporting the MSMEs will help create employment, boost productivity and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
The city government said the MoA is consistent with Republic Act 9501, or “An Act to Promote Entrepreneurship by Strengthening Development and Assistance Programs to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises” amending RA 6977, or the “Magna Carta for Small Scale Enterprises.”
Belmonte said the BBMSME program will be under the city government’s initiative to aid micro and small enterprises in securing necessary documents and licenses.
Meanwhile, the city’s Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office will soon launch the Q-Certified program that will provide assistance to the MSMEs for certification by and registration in government agencies, SBCDPO chief Mona Yap said.
She also said the city government is committed to promote the growth and development of the MSMEs.
Apart from providing initial capital assistance, the office will also guarantee that the enterprises comply with requirements such as business and sanitary permits, among others, Yap added.
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