President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the holding of the 7th Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, saying the event provided industry players, members and stockholders a chance to improve and manage more effectively their businesses for increased profits through exchanges and interactions with experts, top managers and producers.

In his speech keynoting the event, the President also said the retail convention showcases the important role retailers and small store owners play towards nation building and progress.

“Sa ika-pitong pagkakataon, muling magsisilbing entablado ang programang ito upang kilalanin ang mahalagang papel ng mga negosyante ng micro, small and medium enterprises sa kaunlaran ng ating ekonomiya (For the seventh time, this program will once again serve as a stage to recognize the valuable role of businessmen from the micro, small and medium enterprises in economic progress),” the President said.

He pointed out that the retail industry plays a significant role in the nation’s overall economic health as it comprised 13 percent or P1.3-trillion out of the Philippines’ P9.7-trillion gross domestic product (GDP) for 2011.

“Tandaan po natin: marami sa sektor na ito ay nagmumula sa micro, small and medium enterprises, o sa mga maliliit na negosyong tulad ng mga sari-sari store (Let us remember: a lot of those from this sector come from micro, small and medium enterprises, in other words, small businesses like sari-sari stores),” the President said.

He added that because of this important role, retail companies such as the Puregold Price Club, Inc., owner of the famous retail chain Puregold and lead convenor of the event, has provided its members, store owners and stakeholders a chance to improve on their business.

“Dito, personal niyong makakaharap at makakausap ang mga kapwa ninyo negosyante, maging ang inyong mga trade suppliers at product manufacturers. Pagkakataon po ito para makipag-ugnayan at magbahagi ng mga ideyang pangkaunlaran sa isa’t isa (Here, you can personally face and speak with your fellow businessmen, as well as your trade suppliers and product manufacturers. It is an opportunity to communicate and impart ideas that will enrich one another),” the President said.

“Sa pamamagitan naman ng mga training, seminar, at workshop, maaaring mapayabong ang inyong kaalaman at kakayahan sa pagnenegosyo. Matuturuan kayong mas maging epektibo na sa tamang pamamalakad ay mapalago ninyo ang inyong mga tubo (Through trainings, seminars and workshops, your knowledge and ability to do business may be enhanced. You will learn that running a business more effectively will greatly improve your earnings),” he added.