The micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector continues to anchor the Philippine economy, accounting for 99.5% of registered businesses and generating six out of ten jobs nationwide. But despite their crucial role, many MSMEs continue to struggle with hiring qualified workers.
A recent survey by Boston Consulting Group and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) found that while 72% of MSMEs plan to expand their workforce, nearly half — or 46% — face persistent difficulties in finding applicants with the needed skills.
To help address this gap, Jobstreet by Seek partnered with SM Supermalls to stage its first-ever MSME Summit on November 25 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The event brought together MSME owners, industry leaders, and business mentors to discuss challenges in scaling operations and strengthening recruitment strategies.
Jobstreet by Seek Philippines managing director Dannah Majarocon said supporting MSMEs is essential to sustaining the country’s economic momentum.
“Every thriving economy is built on the shoulders of its resilient and growing MSMEs,” she said. “By empowering them through initiatives like the MSME Summit, we’re not only aiding their growth and connecting them with the right talent, but also fostering job creation and strengthening local employment.”
Majarocon also urged MSMEs to rely on legitimate job platforms amid a surge in hiring scams on social media. Using trusted recruitment sites, she noted, protects businesses from fraud and helps them reach millions of active jobseekers.
The summit featured workshops on marketing, logistics, digital tools, and finance led by business and marketing experts.
Participants also visited exhibitor booths showcasing services and solutions aimed at helping MSMEs grow.
During the event, Jobstreet by Seek launched “SMEasy sa Jobstreet,” a free and simplified job posting service for MSME owners. The feature is designed to help businesses tap into the platform’s pool of nearly 14 million candidates.
