Bill would turn gov’t retirees into entrepreneurs

Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap, main proponent of the bill. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/www.congress.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Government service should also prepare public officials and employees for an entrepreneurial life, so they could continue being productive in a legitimate way once they leave their jobs.

Under a bill that the House of Representatives recently approved on second reading, all government offices and agencies would be required to put in place a Government Service Entrepreneurship Development Program to help employees learn what they need to know to develop ideas and turn them into successful businesses.

At the same time, it should teach them how to increase entrepreneurial opportunities in their communities.

Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap, the main proponent of the bill, said the government must take part in preparing employees for better economic opportunities once they leave public service.

The bill seeks to ensure the creative utilization of highly competitive and resourceful government employees whether in or out of the service, and the continuous flow of innovative and development-oriented government programs for entrepreneurial development.

The newly approved measure also encourages the setting up of cooperatives in government agencies, which would help employees generate financial resources and hone their business skills.

Aside from this, the agencies must also network with government financial institutions to provide financing for their employees’ entrepreneurial projects. Leila B. Salaverria

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