THERE is no doubt that the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is a sector that primarily bore the brunt of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past more than a year now.
Coming to their aid, the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) renewed its partnership that assures no micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are left behind in keeping their lights on amid the pandemic.
“This collaboration is very timely considering the recent announcements of community quarantine. MSMEs have been challenged for more than a year now because of the crippling effects of the pandemic. We are grateful to DTI for this opportunity to collaborate and contribute to rebuilding our economy,” Ferdinand Geluz, Meralco First Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, said during the virtual signing ceremony.
Geluz said that since the lockdowns that started in March 2020, Meralco remained committed to keeping the lights on for the customers that they serve. Aside from assuring reliable service 24/7, the utility firm also implemented installment payments and deferred disconnection amid the challenges that their customers are facing. “Today, for areas, under MECQ, disconnections remain suspended, and we continue to deliver service with passion and compassion to help ease the burden of our customers amid these difficult times.”
The Meralco top official likewise commended the DTI for its efforts to help MSMEs and for allowing Meralco to assist these enterprises in its own way, and the partnership allows both to power a brighter tomorrow for MSMEs.
“We all know that these past 17 months have been particularly challenging for our MSMEs. The pandemic disrupted business activities in unprecedented ways. Since the implementation of community lockdowns, MSMEs’ cashflow has been abnormal and negatively impacted their profitability. This pandemic added to their already existing challenges, but despite this, the story of MSMEs has been one of resilience,” Trade Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona commented.
She added the government and private sector should pool their resources to help MSMEs and this collaboration with Meralco will help them in the government to strengthen and assist more MSMEs recover and rebuild their businesses.
“We are grateful to Meralco for this renewed collaboration. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to foster the growth and development of MSMEs,” Lantayona said.
The renewed partnership ensures MSMEs’ power requirements are addressed accordingly. It also allows Meralco to empower them with programs that would educate them on energy services and solutions relevant to their business through webinars and the trade department’s Negosyo centers.
MSMEs could also avail of Free Power Consult program where their energy needs and requirements are assessed. And for new businesses or those planning to expand, MSMEs can also tap private electrical contractors certified by Meralco, which are also certified by the DTI’s Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board or PCAB.