Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday said there should be an integration of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in public procurement, adding that it would help uplift pandemic-hit sector in the country.

In a Go Negosyo forum, Robredo said the government must also purchase from MSMEs, which could not keep up with bigger firms.

"Ang pamahalaan kasi dapat sana sa MSMEs bumibili kung sumasabay naman ang presyo at kalidad. Sa mga mahihirapan makasabay sa presyuhan, kailangang may ibang pamantayan maliban sa presyo," Robredo said when asked about her programs for MSMEs if she wins the presidency in Eleksyon 2022.

(The government must buy from MSMEs if the quality and price are reasonable. If there are problems with price, there should be another basis aside from price.)

Moreover, Robredo cited that they procured personal protective equipment from local providers instead of importing PPEs.

"Nagbigay pa tayo negosyo sa mga maliliit na communities (We even gave business to small communities)," she said.

Meanwhile, Robredo said she is also seeking to provide special loans to MSMEs to innovate infrastructure and digitize businesses amid the pandemic.

"And then yung special loans to allow MSMEs to adapt to the new normal para matulungan na i-reconfigure ang mga establishments nila. Katulad nung sinabi ko kanina 'yung ventilation, airflow pero yung iba rin pagdigitized ng kanilang negosyo. Maraming nangangailangan ng tulong pagdating doon," said Robredo.

(There must be special loans to allow MSMEs to adapt to new normal to reconfigure their establishments. As I've said earlier, the ventilation, airflow and digitizing businesses. Many businesses are seeking help for that.)

Robredo had bared that she will allot P100 billion for the stimulus package of MSMEs, which she referred to as the backbone of the economy.--LDF, GMA News