ASEAN integration workshop for Philippine SMEs

The ASEAN Free Trade Area is just around the corner, but many companies are still unaware of the opportunities and challenges this holds for them.

Helping local SMEs prepare for ASEAN integration, the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) will conduct the symposium-workshop, Empowering People and Organisations for Excellent Results (E-POWER), with the theme, “Move on together, Empower SMEs to ASEAN 2015.”  The conference is scheduled from 10-11 April 2013 at the at the ISSI building, University of the Philippines campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

Organised along with the Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation (SERDEF) and Quality Partners Company, Ltd, the symposium will focus on the effects of integration on Philippines businesses and measures that may help SMEs rise above the no-boundaries trading system.

One measure to be presented is the SUGOD programme for total quality improvement, a Filipinised system for enhancing enterprise competitiveness by harnessing employee engagement and cooperation towards increased productivity and sustained growth.

Other co-sponsors of the forum are: the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Competitiveness, Department of Labor and Employment – National Wages and Productivity Council and National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application Promotion Institute, and Manila Community Services, Inc.

For more information, contact:

Ferdz Manegdeg at ferdzmanegdeg@gmail.com

Ludy Cubillas at lpcubillas@gmail.com

Marivic A. Gatchalian  madicgatchalian@gmail.com