The last few weeks almost everywhere I go be it coffee shops, forums, or casual conversations, I often encounter somebody or a group expressing the difficulties in doing business in the country. Is this coincidental or was I just getting conscious? At any rate I decided to begin writing and enumerating to avoid duplicity. I do encourage readers to join as we explore solutions.
Number 1: Government Licensing and Permits: entrepreneurs complain on how difficult it is to apply or renew with certain local government units. All the while I thought President Aquino has ordered the streamlining of government transactions. In fairness there are cities, which are known for efficient transaction. It makes somebody feel like being in a private office. So what do we do here? I feel we have to get more people to come out in the open, express and identify where those LGUs are giving difficulties to the entrepreneur. I always believe that to complain is another thing but to do something gives us more the ability to achieve results.
Number 2: Prohibitive Rental Rates and other clauses in Malls: this comes almost as a tie with the above. There is no doubt that doing business in shopping malls has advantages. Life for most people has included a weekly if not twice visits to the malls. An exemption is when the red label with words “SALE” is displayed hordes just keep on pouring inside. Entrepreneurs however are feeling a bigger intensity of “OUCH” with rental rates and other incidental charges. Can there be an honest to goodness dialogue between Entrepreneurs and Mall Operators? Hear out each other. Let us avoid squeezing the entrepreneurs dry to the bone. I always believe that transparency achieves a synergistic relationship. A mall operator can initiate an effort with their tenants. Unless I may have missed such event, does anybody know if there is one held or initiated? Sometimes I wish there is a mall operator whose heart is for the tenants first before profits. It hurts to see a newly opened store and after six to 12 months show signs of losing money, which eventually gets boarded up with a tag “For Lease”.
Number 3: Manpower: There are many who have no jobs. Unemployment is high in the country. Every time there is a job fair, I see thousands queuing even under the heat of the sun or in mall corridors. One point noted is the quality and experience of manpower. Entrepreneurs do look for those who are not just doing menial tasks. They are in need of people who have the right attitude and disposition in life. Oftentimes, there is lack of focus or seriousness on the work. Well with the presence of smartphones and Internet, efficiency has been affected. One entrepreneur was complaining he would often catch his office staff always online in social media like Facebook or doing SMS to friends. The need of employing people is a necessity unless we have robots already in place. However anybody wanting a job has to exert effort in being consistent and serious in the conduct of employment. Our academic institutions have begun their drive on the proper molding of their students. I know of a school where students who are on OJT (On The Job Training) are monitored if they are getting the proper exposure and related to their courses. At last this a big improvement as before students are merely asked to do cleaning the office, preparing coffee and filing papers as their task.
This is article may be an eye-opener to some yet for the others the challenges perhaps are part of being an entrepreneur. I think we need not be complacent if we want our country to achieve progress. From what I was taught by my mother, grandparents and teachers, it is the duty of every Filipino to contribute in making motherland shining again. We did years ago when the Philippines was occupying the top spot among Asian countries. A small achievement each day is much better than just taking no action at all. The president of the country cannot be expected to do everything. We have to pitch in. Can we therefore say, “It’s more fun to do business in the Philippines?” without butting an eye?