Former Defense Secretary and senatorial candidate Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro aims to intensify the “buy local” campaign for Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine-made products and local industries.
Gibo Teodoro, a former Tarlac congressman, said the “buy local” campaign should not only focus on promoting Philippine brands but elevate consumers’ awareness on the benefits of supporting and purchasing locally made goods.
“We should advocate among consumers the economic benefits of buying local brands. If we support our local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), they will flourish and expand,” Gibo Teodoro said. “They (MSMEs) will create more livelihood opportunities and jobs for Filipinos.”
Gibo Teodoro, who has vast experience in both the private and public sector in various capacities, added that Filipino consumers tend to buy imported brands because some find these as cheaper alternatives to local products, while some purchase imported products because of their quality.
“We need to make Filipino products competitive in its own domestic market. It can be done when the government boosts its funding for programs that will enhance the capacity building of our MSMEs,” Teodoro said. “To help them improve their quality and create economy of scale so that they can produce and sell at lower prices. Quality products and competitive prices – that’s the Philippine product.”
Gibo Teodoro added that it will be a big boost to mandate government agencies to procure a certain percentage of materials for government use from local producers. (www.gibo.ph)
