The birth of the National Statistics Month (NSM) is one of the many efforts of the National Government to bring to the fore the importance of statistics in our everyday lives. NSM was first observed in 1990 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino on September 20, 1990. The month of October of every year was declared as the National Statistics Month.
Since its inception, the Department of Finance (DOF) has always taken an active role in this continued commitment to increase awareness and appreciation of statistics among the public. With the theme “Monitoring Progress on Decent Work through Statistics: Pathway to Inclusive Growth”, DOF recognizes the need of using statistics in gauging the country’s development in creating decent jobs for the Filipino people. The Department is an ardent believer that accurate statistical data is a potent tool in crafting policies that are intended to address the country’s persistent problems on labor and employment.
The Philippines has been touted as the “franchising hub of Asia”, with the franchising industry as undeniably one of the country’s prime catalysts of economic growth. Realizing the potential of the franchising industry and in line with this year’s NSM theme, the Fiscal Policy and Planning Office-Statistics Division hosted a seminar entitled “Opportunities in Franchising: A Step for Economic Growth” on October 29, 2012 at 4/F DFG Conference Room. The primary objective of the seminar was to educate the participants on the business of franchising, including global perspectives. The seminar was attended by DOF employees and representatives from attached agencies.
Invited as guest speakers were Ms. Ma. Alegria “Bing” Limjoco, the current Chairman of the Philippine Franchise Association and Vice-President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Jomar “Joms” Lorica, a marketing officer of Filtrepreneur Franchise, Inc. (FFI).
Participants are all ears as our guest speaker, Ms. Limjoco, discusses the nature of the franchising industry.
Ms. Limjoco’s talk focused on the active involvement of the Philippine Franchising Association (PFA) in the flourishing franchising industry in the country, with highlights of the popular brands that made it into the global market. She also tackled the benefits of franchising, the things to consider before entering into a franchise business and the challenges faced by the industry. On a lighter side, Ms. Limjoco revealed the success stories of such big names as Shoemart (SM), Reyes Haircutters and Potato Corner, among others, how these franchisors started from humble beginnings and how dedication and hard work propelled them to the top.
Mr. Lorica decided to present several investment opportunities in franchising. As one of FFI’s top earners and competent marketing officers, he offered FFI’s various products on the food retail business such as Pinoy Pao Express, Pizza Pinoy and Patatas Pries. Franchise packages can be as low as P25,000, with special promos like all-in food cart packages that come at very affordable prices for those wanting to maximize their franchise.
Mr. Lorica encourages the participants to avail of FFI’s franchise packages.
The participants’ receptive response all throughout the seminar became even more inspiring for the speakers, with a lot of questions asked during the open forum. Most of the participants were interested to learn more about franchising business as an alternative and an opportunity to augment their income. However, due to time constraint, the guest speakers were not able to answer all questions. Instead, they offered one-on-one consultation after the seminar. Indeed, the three-hour program was filled with newfound knowledge and useful tips on franchising. Now is the opportune time to awaken the entrepreneurial spirit in anyone who wants to venture into the business not only for personal gain but also for the good of the country.
