SEC roadshow in Subic promotes capital market as MSME funding source

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced the capital market to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in Central Luzon region in its recent roadshow held on September 19 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Spearheaded by the SEC Office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in SMEs or OASIS and the SEC Tarlac Extension Office in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the event aims to promote and raise awareness on the various capital market financing options available for MSMEs and start-ups.

The roadshow was participated by 157 onsite and 91 zoom participants consisting of executives from different government agencies, business chambers and local companies.

The event was graced by the Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group of the SBMA, Mr. Renato W. Lee III and SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant T. Fernandez who highlighted the significant contribution of the MSMEs in propelling our country’s economic development. He also emphasized the importance of setting up the capital market as a complement to raising capital and exploring the potential of financial instruments such as crowdfunding and Initial Public Offering or IPO listing at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) as sources of financing.

The Subic Roadshow brought the following industry partners who shared their expertise in the capital market:

● Round One, an SEC-licensed crowdfunding intermediary-presented crowdfunding for businesses, its advantages, and procedures in availing their services;

● PSE Marketing Services Department Head Theresa Joy Lumanlan- discussed how a public offering by listing at the stock exchange is conducted;

● Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines Senior Managing Director for Equity Capital Markets Manny Ocampo- talked about their underwriting services for MSMEs; and

● Raslag Corporation and Tipaklong Sustainable Mobility Corporation- shared their experiences on IPO and crowdfunding.

A press conference with the members of the local media was also held on the sidelines of the Subic Roadshow. In addition, the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the SEC-Tarlac Extension Office and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce was also conducted to promote capital market awareness and investor protection in the Subic Bay business community.

The event was also attended by the SEC- Markets and Securities Regulation Department Director, Atty. Oliver O. Leonardo, SEC-Tarlac Extension Office Director, Atty. Richard R. Laus, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce President, Dr. Benjamin E. Antonio III.