President Marcos: Take advantage of mentorship opportunities at Go Negosyo event

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Filipino workers and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free mentorship and upskilling opportunities during the launch of Go Negosyo’s “Trabaho at Negosyo” at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Emphasizing the rapid digital transformation of industries, Marcos said workers must acquire new skills to stay relevant in today’s “uncertain world.”

“What many of us have studied and developed a decade—or even just a couple of years ago— are sometimes we find no longer relevant,” Marcos said.

“Industries are being reshaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence or AI. Traditional jobs are transforming. The skills that were once optional, now they are essential. Naniniwala ako kayang makasabay naman ang mga Pilipino,” he added.

The President highlighted that Filipinos are resourceful and capable, and they should maintain confidence, embrace technology, and make use of opportunities such as the Go Negosyo program.

“Tulad na lamang ng pagkakataong ibinibigay ngayong araw—ang Trabaho at Negosyo, na programa ng Go Negosyo,” Marcos said.

“Dito, may learning session kasama ang industry expert at thought leaders at magbabahagi ng kanilang kaalaman at karanasan sa larangan ng pagnenegosyo,” he added.

Marcos also pointed to a job fair at the event, which connects Filipino workers with employers from various sectors.

“Kaya’t hinihikayat ko po kayong lahat dito na pakinabangan ang learning session, gamitin po ninyo ang kaalaman mula doon upang mapalakas pa ang kakayanan ninyo dito sa trabaho at negosyo,” he said.

“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 added.

Go Negosyo founder and Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chair Joey Concepcion said the event aims to give Filipinos two options: get a job or start a business.

“So 'trabaho at negosyo' is very important. This should be our focus. In other words: hiring more people will help our country grow. Providing mentorship, money, and market for our MSMEs is very critical because we don't want them to remain as micro and small,” Concepcion said.

He added that organizing such events aligns with the Philippines’ goal of making the hosting of the ASEAN in 2026 inclusive, reaching small businesses and ordinary citizens.

“So as we host the ASEAN, many of our people will not understand what ASEAN is all about, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. And this is why we have envisioned an event such as this… which will be starting— we will start it as we hold our meetings here and as we hold the final big event— which is towards mid-October to November— what you call the ASEAN Business and Investments Summit,” Concepcion said.

“But, seriously speaking, we are here, we want this ASEAN hosting to be inclusive to all, not just to us in big business,” he added.

The event brought together key public-private stakeholders to expand job opportunities, support upskilling and reskilling for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create a platform where job seekers can connect directly with businesses.

Highlighting MSMEs as vital engines of inclusive growth and employment creation, the program featured plenary learning sessions, a job fair, business mentoring sessions, and partner booths.

Marcos recognized the private sector’s contribution in empowering small businesses, calling them “champions of MSMEs.”

He commended Concepcion for decades of commitment to the sector: “Joey has been doing this for decades and it is clearly a labor of love for him and we should be very grateful to have champions for MSMEs like Joey,” the President said.

Marcos noted that many Filipinos start with small ventures—a food cart, a bazaar stall, or an online store—but face challenges such as limited capital, customer access, and rapid changes in the economy and technology.

He cited the Negosyo Center, where entrepreneurs can receive guidance, mentorship, and government support to grow their businesses, and emphasized that Go Negosyo’s advocacy complements these government programs.

“Sa layuning ito ng pamahalaan, katuwang natin ang ating mga kaibigan at partners sa pribadong sektor,” 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,” he added.