Get insured, Capiz MSMEs urged

Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco praised the role of MSME's in the province at the Forum on Micro-Insurance at the Hall of Governors, 3rd floor of Capiz Provincial Capitol, Roxas City, July 16.

ROXAS City — Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Capiz were encouraged to have themselves insured.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently launched its post-super typhoon “Yolanda” advocacy on micro insurance.

The launching was one of the highlights of a forum on micro insurance held last week here.

William H. Martirez, country manager of MicroEnsure Philippines and the forum’s resource person, stressed that MSMEs need to protect their businesses to “bounce back sooner” in case of any eventuality.

Among the participants in the forum were 69 MSMEs and national and local government representatives.

Gov. Victor Tanco Sr., who was present at the forum, praised the MSMEs and described them as “the backbone of the provincial economy.”

Tanco said his administration will study the possibility of assisting micro entrepreneurs with their insurance premiums.

The Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Council will meet this week to discuss the plan and submit a proposal to the capitol.

MicroEnsure Philippines is one of the leading micro insurance providers in the country, DTI provincial director Ermelinda Pollentes said.

It has provided financial assistance to “Yolanda”-affected individuals through Taytay sa Kauswagan and other nongovernment organizations, she said.

Vice Gov. Esteban Evan B. Contreras and Provincial Administrator Jose O. Villanueva were also present at the forum. (With a report from PIA–Capiz/PN)