The provincial government of Bulacan and the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) have received the prestigious Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partner for Northern Luzon in the Improving Business Climate Category for its notable and sustainable programs for development, especially concerning the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Governor Daniel R. Fernando received the award for the province during the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs and Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the MSME Development Council, the awards aim to celebrate exceptional MSMEs for their innovation and sustainability, as well as their vital role in the economy.
In his statement on Wednesday night, PCEDO head, lawyer Jayric L. Amil, said Bulacan was recognized for implementing the program “Invest Bulacan” and for supporting MSMEs.
He said for almost three decades, “Invest Bulacan” has been considered as one of PCEDO’s most notable, institutionalized, and sustainable programs, focusing on building and enhancing Bulacan’s stature as a viable location for local and foreign investments, accelerating economic growth, developing and strengthening industries, and raising the quality of life of its citizenry.
“Under the leadership of Gov. Fernando, we at PCEDO, have spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive business environment. We are committed to promote a vibrant local economy and to help provide jobs for every Bulakenyo, thus the upgrade of Invest Bulacan to Invest Bulacan Plus which revolutionizes economic strategies by promoting, leveraging, upscaling, and synergizing the efforts across stakeholders to propel Bulacan’s economy to unprecedented heights,” Amil said.
Building upon the gains of the program Invest Bulacan Plus, the province has achieved significant improvement in its competitiveness ranking, significantly moving up from 49th spot in 2018 to 8th spot in the 2023 Annual Ranking of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.
“Maraming salamat po sa pagkilala sa aming dedikasyong isulong ang economic and investment promotion sa aming lalawigan sa pamamagitan ng aming Invest Bulacan Program. Patuloy na nagbubunga ang ating pagsisikap dahil mayroon na tayo ngayong Invest Bulacan Plus (Thank you very much for recognizing our dedication to push forward the economy and investment promotion in our province through the Invest Bulacan Program. Our efforts continue to bear fruit because we now have Invest Bulacan Plus). As I always say, Bulacan is the next global destination. Kaya naman sinisiguro po nating handa ang ating lalawigan, lalo’t higit ang mga Bulakenyo, sa pagyakap sa mga oportunidad na paparating (That’s why we make sure our province is ready, most especially the Bulakenyos, in embracing opportunities that come),” Fernando said.
Under Republic Act 9501, the Magna Carta for MSMEs , the awardees received trophies, plaques and cash prizes from Go Negosyo. (PNA)
