Roxas City (26 October) -- Regional Director Dominic Abad of the Departmentof Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines needs young people who would become entrepreneurs to help improve the income-generating capacity of Filipinos and help propel the country's economy.

Speaking during a roadshow that opened Oct. 23 at a mall here on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) in the country, Abad recalled that before parents would usually tell their children to study well in good schools to get jobs or be employed later. Now, the situation has changed, he said, because instead of resorting to look for jobs alone, young people have options to become business entrepreneurs and earn even more from being one.

Abad was referring to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have increased the economic value of local raw materials and added value to products and contribute to the economic development of a community.

PACAP has supported SMEs in Capiz through grant-funding and technical support with the support of the DTI, local government units, other government agencies and partner organizations.

The week-long roadshow was highlighted by a products fair featuring the outputs of local SMEs being supported by PACAP. The occasion was graced by PACAP program manager Ma. Lourdes Padilla and Visayas Area Manager Lisa Morales.

Gov. Vicente Bermejo has included SME development in his prioity development agenda as a manifestation of his support to the national government's thrust to push economic development throug SMEs among other key strategies.