PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the first “Trabaho at Negosyo” event, which aims to empower micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“Today, we live in a very uncertain world. What many of us have studied and developed a decade — or even just a couple of years ago — are sometimes no longer relevant,” Marcos said in a speech during the event’s launch at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
“Traditional jobs are transforming. The skills that were once optional, now they are essential,” he added.
The president said many Filipinos continue to struggle to find jobs that match their skills and educational backgrounds. He noted that industries are rapidly evolving because of advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence.
“I believe Filipinos can keep up. We know that despite the challenges, our people are resourceful and resilient,” he said.
Marcos emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in addressing employment gaps, particularly through partnerships that promote entrepreneurship and skills development. He lauded Go Negosyo founder Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III for championing MSME development in the country.
The president promised that the government would continue strengthening skills training, employment programs and support services to help Filipinos secure jobs and grow their businesses.
“We equip our people not only to survive, but to succeed in this changing world,” Marcos said. “Through the advocacy of Go Negosyo, we promote a positive mindset towards business — not as a last resort, but as a strong complement to our collective role in nation-building.” Marcos said more than 74,000 jobseekers secured employment when the government conducted more than 2,300 job fairs nationwide in 2025. He added that in January 2026 alone, around 47 job fairs were organized, with more than 2,400 applicants hired on the spot.
The president also said government services for entrepreneurs are being streamlined through Negosyo Centers, which provide mentorship, advisory services and assistance in expanding market access. He encouraged participants to take advantage of the learning sessions and opportunities offered through the Trabaho at Negosyo program to strengthen their skills and businesses.
“Because when we build skills, we build confidence. When we create jobs, we restore the dignity of our people. And when we strengthen our economic foundations, we build a stronger nation for tomorrow,” Marcos said.
The Trabaho at Negosyo program, organized by Go Negosyo, brings together key public-private stakeholders to expand job opportunities, support upskilling and reskilling for MSMEs, and create a platform where jobseekers can connect directly with businesses.
Government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Bureau of Internal Revenue are providing one-stop services and pre-employment assistance.
Concepcion said the initiative was designed to make employment and small-business development more accessible to the public.
“Trabaho at Negosyo will bring job-placement services, skills workshops and entrepreneurship mentoring directly to the people,” he said.
He said the program was built on two pillars: job creation and MSME development.
“To create inclusive and sustainable growth, we must expand both pathways simultaneously,” he added.
MSMEs generate the majority of jobs in the Philippines, accounting for about 6.25 million jobs, or 66.57 percent of total employment, according to Go Negosyo.
Micro-enterprises contribute the largest share at 34.24 percent, followed by small enterprises at 25.66 percent and medium enterprises at 6.67 percent. Large enterprises account for 33.42 percent of employment, it added.
