Bilyonaryo brothers Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, chairman and CEO and president and COO, respectively, of Ayala Corporation, have been urged to extend their conglomerate?s expertise help mentor the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has asked the two Ayala brothers to encourage executives of the Ayala Group of Companies to help the government in elevating the competencies of Filipino MSMEs during their at the Ayala Sustainability Summit.

Lopez has emphasized the need for continuous innovation and entrepreneurial skills and mindset for MSMEs to prosper.

The sharing of leadership skills and best practices from the private sector are critical components in enhancing the ability of MSMEs to thrive in a globally-competitive business environment, according to the trade chief.

Business sector groups were invited to extend additional support in mentoring and passing on the business know-how to Filipino MSMEs, alongside existing government efforts including establishing Negosyo Centers and conducting training and seminars across the country through SME Roving Academy.

The Kapatid Mentor Me is a business advisory program with private sector partners like the Go Negosyo, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Franchise Association, the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. and other groups.

Lopez also called on the business group to adopt an inclusive business model, where MSMEs are integrated in the value chain.

?The Go Lokal! brand is part of DTI’s MSME push, improving market access by mainstreaming MSME products in major malls,? he said, adding that DTI already started partnering with some of the country?s mall owners. He expressed hoped that Ayala Group of Companies will also consider the Go Lokal! initiative.