A recent survey conducted by OCTA Research has revealed that a significant majority of Filipinos possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit and aspire to start their own businesses. The survey measured their entrepreneurial awareness through their knowledge of Go Negosyo, a movement that supports small businesses.
Out of the 1,200 respondents, a remarkable 66 percent reported being aware of Go Negosyo. The highest awareness rating of 81 percent was observed in the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Mindanao (67 percent), Visayas (63 percent), and Luzon (53 percent).
Professor Ranjit Rye from OCTA Research highlighted the significance of this finding, stating, “This means that seven out of ten people in the NCR are aware of Go Negosyo. It’s noteworthy for a nonprofit organization that is barely two decades old to enjoy such high awareness among Filipinos. Its advocacy seems to resonate with the aspirations of most Filipinos.”
Rye also emphasized that a 50-percent awareness rating for an organization is considered high, as many people are unaware of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their activities. To achieve national recognition for its advocacy is already a success, and surpassing the 50 percent awareness mark is a significant accomplishment.
Go Negosyo was established in 2005, coinciding with the appointment of its founder, Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion 3rd, as Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship by then-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Commenting on the survey results, Concepcion expressed his commitment to further strengthening their advocacy, saying, “The numbers clearly demonstrate that a large number of Filipinos, regardless of their socioeconomic class, aspire to become entrepreneurs. This is supported by empirical evidence.”
The OCTA survey revealed that awareness of Go Negosyo was evenly distributed among different socioeconomic classes, with 56 percent among Class ABC, 58 percent among Class D, and 62 percent among Class E.
Concepcion highlighted that Go Negosyo has been actively promoting entrepreneurship through various initiatives, including free public mentoring mall roadshows and collaborations with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, and Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the organization is engaging the private sector, including the country’s largest corporations, to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The survey results demonstrate the strong entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos and their desire to contribute to the growth of the economy through their own businesses. Go Negosyo’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and provide support to aspiring entrepreneurs have garnered significant awareness and recognition among the Filipino population. With continued dedication and collaboration, Go Negosyo aims to empower more individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
Source: The Manila Times
