Over 400 Iloilo City market vendors join financial literacy training
Over 400 city market vendors equipped themselves with basic financial knowledge to better manage their businesses at a Capacity Development Program held March 31.
The empowering event at SM City Iloilo gathered 186 vendors from Iloilo Central Market, 66 from Terminal Market, 45 from La Paz, 37 from Jaro Big, 32 from Jaro Small, 28 from Mandurriao, and 27 from Arevalo.
“Maayo ang pagpadalagan sang mga markets. Sang una deficit kita; indi ang market naton kabayad sang kuryente kag sweldo. Subong surplus kita. Nabayran na tanan nga utang pero nag-surplus pa kita,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas proudly shared this with the vendors who played a significant part in the achievement.
This initiative aims to foster holistic growth within the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector and complement the redevelopment of city public markets.
Subject matter experts Ms. Ma. Paz B. Meso, Team Head of OFPU Visayas; BDO TBG-Remittance; and Ms. Michelle Papna, Unit Head of BDO-NB MSME, engaged the vendors with lectures on financial literacy and the MSME Kabuhayan Loan, respectively, followed by a question-and-answer portion.
The activity is a collaboration between the Iloilo City Government, through the Local Economic Enterprise Office, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and BDO.
Treñas has long emphasized that the redevelopment of city-run public markets, including the two largest—the Iloilo Central and Terminal markets—through a public-private partnership, will stimulate economic growth and create employment and livelihood opportunities for the Ilonggos.
The upgraded markets will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including well-zoned spaces, ample parking areas, and advanced management systems.
These improvements will make the markets more organized, accessible, and convenient for vendors and marketgoers alike. (P. Socias/Iloilo City PIO)