National Micro Smaal, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Month Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 FEB 23, P2:32 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1885 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT DECLARING THE WHOLE MONTH OF JULY OF EVERY YEAR AS THE "MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (MSME) MONTH" IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the Philippine economy as they account for a significant portion of the country's employment and income generation. In 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that MSMEs comprise 99.63% market share of establishments in the country, employing around 66% of the labor force. However, MSMEs face various challenges, such as limited access to financing, technology, and markets, among others. While there are various national and local programs that aim to aid these deficiencies, recognizing and celebrating their contributions through MSME Month is a way to promote their growth and development. This bill aims to acknowledge and commend the MSMEs contribution to the Philippine economy by declaring the whole month of July as the "MSME Month" in the entire country. It also seeks to provide funding for the activities and programs, including but not limited to, business forums, trade fairs, and capacity-building programs that will be conducted during the MSME Month. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other concerned agencies shall lead the implementation of these initiatives to ensure their success.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR

Senate Offire of the samuetarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 FEB 23 P2:32 SENATE 1885 S. No. - Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT DECLARING THE WHOLE MONTH OF JULY OF EVERY YEAR AS THE "MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM-ENTERPRISE (MSME) MONTH" IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Micro Small,

and Medium-Enterprise (MSME) Month Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - To recognize the indispensable role of the private

4 sector, especially MSMEs, in nation building and to encourage private enterprise and promote entrepreneurial spirit, the month of July of every year is hereby declared as the "National MSME Month."

Sec. 3. Objectives of the Policy. - The declaration of National MSME Month aims

to: a) Recognize the significant role of MSMEs in advancing sustainable development goals, achieving inclusive growth, encouraging innovation, and providing livelihood to local and rural communities; b) Raise awareness on the contributions of MSMEs in increasing income among local households, in providing quality jobs to our people and in attaining recovery and growth of the national economy; and c) Promote entrepreneurship, encourage more Filipino entrepreneurs to engage in local business and inspire them to continue to thrive amidst competition and economic uncertainties.

Sec. 4. Lead Agencies. - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in

2 consultation with and in partnership with other government agencies, and industry 3 association and organization, shall conduct activities and programs that promote the principles and values of entrepreneurship, resiliency, innovation, creativity and competition, as well as those that underscore, honor and/or reward our MSMEs on 6 their critical role in economic and social recovery, and for their significant contribution 7 in nation building.

Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of

this act shall be charged against the Department of Trade and Industry's fund under 10 the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law, and every 11 year thereafter, as may be necessary.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from

13 the effectivity of this Act, DTI shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and 14 regulations (IRR) to implement the provisions of this Act. Such IRR shall take effect immediately thereafter.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or

17 unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 18 effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national papers of general circulation. Approved,