Over 200 brands offer opportunities to Bicol investors

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bicol region now have access to more than 200 franchise brands in food, retail, and services. They also receive expert advice to help them find the right fit.

Around 30 exhibitors offered franchise opportunities at the “Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region V,” which was organized by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) in cooperation with partners, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the provincial government of Albay.

“Franchising offers entrepreneurs a tested framework that minimizes risks and supports business success,” said Noel B. Bunao, DTI Albay provincial director.

“We strongly encourage our MSMEs to engage in franchising because its model and system have already been proven effective,” he added.

The event featured business matching sessions that paired participants directly with franchisors and service providers to help them explore viable franchise opportunities and partnerships.

Albay Governor Noel Rosal said franchising has great potential to boost Bicol’s economy, giving local entrepreneurs room to grow.

“We have seen that many Bicolanos, specifically Albayanos, are really into business now,” he said. “Bars, restaurants, and small businesses are emerging. I think the franchise offers a big opportunity for them to partake of what’s happening in the National Capital Region.”

Seminars on “How to Invest in the Right Franchise” and “How to Franchise Your Business” were also conducted, offering participants insights into franchising fundamentals.

“This forum will be an information resource for our Bicolanos, not only for Albay, it’s about the whole Bicol, that there’s a really good prospect for franchising,” Rosal added.

Samie Lim, former PFA chairman, called franchising one of the most reliable and accessible ways to start a business, especially for those with limited experience.

“Franchising creates thousands of small businesses,” he said.

“Anybody who wants to go into business but does not know how to do it, franchising has the formula. It’s a 97 percent success rate. Rather than start a business on your own, you’re going to franchise it,” he added.

Lim noted that franchising not only opens opportunities for entrepreneurs but also significantly contributes to economic growth and job generation in local communities.

“It really creates a business and employs millions of people. That’s what every community needs,” he said.

Among the attendees was Fe Cadiente, a former overseas Filipino worker from Manito, Albay. For her, the event was an eye opener.

Cadiente said she gained valuable learnings from the event.

“This is good because it will enlighten us on how to improve our business and help us know what kind of business fits my capability,” she said. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)