Aspiring and budding entrepreneurs, as well as MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) owners, recently attended the 13th edition of TALAkayan at Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City.
During the learning session, ‘Financial Beshie ng Bayan’ and public speaker Salve Duplito shared valuable tips on properly allocating budgets and managing debt, as well as some basic concepts in investing and starting a business with the participants.
Moritz Gastl, general manager of Tala Philippines, emphasized the crucial role of financial literacy and education in achieving goals and unlocking one’s full potential.
“Whether it’s starting your own business, supporting your family’s needs, or achieving financial stability, understanding basic finance and budgeting concepts is key to better financial management,” Gastl said.
In his message, Gian Sotto, vice mayor of Quezon City, highlighted the importance of wisely managing our hard-earned money, especially for microentrepreneurs.
“Running a business is not easy. It requires patience, courage, discipline, and creativity to succeed. Your goals should be to be debt-free, increase income, and expand your business,” Sotto said in Filipino. “You can achieve these goals through sound business practices and careful financial planning.”
Sotto cited statistics indicating that out of 100 retirees, only 2 are financially independent, 45 depend on their children or relatives, 30 rely on charity, and 22 continue to work. “How do you see yourself during your retirement years?” he asked.
“We must start making better financial decisions to improve ourselves and our economy for future generations,” Sotto urged. “Let’s break the cycle of dependence and empower ourselves by being financially prepared and economically active – something that the organizer, TALA, wants us to remember.”
The government cannot resort solely to dole-outs, and relying on charity is not good for dignity, he advised. “Our QC Government strives to assist our QCitizens by improving social, health, and economic services to uplift their lives.”
In conclusion, Sotto added, “Let us support these services, like the TALAKayan workshop, because they are for you.”
