Through the years under the administration of Mayor Lenlen Oreta, the Malabon Business Forum became a venue to reach out to Malabonian businesses and enterprises, and to let them know of the initiatives to improve the business climate in the city. The COVID-19, however, has brought significant changes, including the way we do business, transactions, and deliveries. The traditional store was converted into online stores, and cash payments were not done over the counter but now through payment apps.  

Dedicated to continuously empower Malabonian businesses, the Malabon LGU continued with its 6th Malabon Business Forum, which was done online like in 2020.  The five-day forum presented a strong lineup of speakers who talked about different significant topics such as Adaptive HR Techniques, Mastering Problem Solving Process, Business Sustainability, among others.  

“This is a timely initiative for the Malabon LGU and businesses to come together and keep the spirit of bayanihan alive.  Unlike the previous forums, this one features a 5-day webinar that provides lessons in business management.  The purpose of this forum is to help businesses adapt and succeed during the pandemic and during the post-pandemic recovery,” said Mayor Oreta.

The five-day webinar, which featured different prominent speakers, had the aim of inspiring the Malabonian entrepreneur. For example, a talk by Jennifer M. Martin, an HR and Admin Departments OIC of CDC Manufacturing Corp. focused on the five important HR techniques to adapt to the current COVID-19 situation.

Martin also stressed the importance of protecting the employees by implementing new policies to maintain a safe workplace.  “HR professionals play a significant role in making sure this transition is conducted safely and efficiently – making sure there is appropriate signage regarding proper COVID-19 protocols.”

The second day of the forum featured Adolfo Aran Jr., CEO of Courage Asia Management Consulting. For him, this pandemic brought out both good and bad – it made us more connected and helped us find solutions to the problems with a new mindset.

He stressed the importance of having clear and flexible systems and procedures – and finding the best mix between technology and personal touch. Aran also reminded the participants to give importance to mental health. “Right now, we are going through a lot of changes, and I think it’s important to take care of our mental health. It allows us to look at other things, and talk about interests with other people who share common interests,” said Aran.

On the third day, Malabonian business people were introduced to Robert Raymond del Rosario, President of Fishermall, who talked about Centered Leadership.  He stressed the importance of an open eye and open mind approach and believes that we need to adapt to have a productive environment.

On the other hand, the second speaker for the third day was Raymund Magdaluyo, Managing Partner of Red Crab Group and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse PH. For him, he practices what he calls the “6C’s in Surviving this Crisis” – Cash, Chemistry and Composure, Context, Comedy, Core, and Christ. He said that these 6C’s are strategic ways to approach these challenging times filled with rapid changes.

More talks were featured in the 6th Malabon Business Forum that helped equip the participants on how to survive the pandemic. Richard Cruz, a professor at the Asian Institute of Management, shared four basic elements of a resilience framework that can be applied in various disturbances. While the Business Sustainability talk, which featured two speakers, highlighted strategies on how to ensure that your business will survive in the next 5, 20, to 30 years.

The Business Sustainability talk, held on the fifth day, featured Riccardo Carlos Fong, Head of Enterprise DSE & Technical Services of PLDT Inc. and Roel S. Espiritu, Head of Quality, Sustainability, and Resiliency of Maynilad Water.  Mr. Fong believes that being sustainable means looking out for customers and communities, employees, and the environment. While Mr. Espiritu shared the importance of creating a business continuity plan, development and implementations of COVID-19 preventions and control protocols, management of customers, computerized system, creation of automation and design, financial discipline, and adjustment in the supply chain management.

To pursue a responsive, transparent, and inclusive environment for the business owners in Malabon, the city government will launch a website called “Kaasenso.PH” that will showcase how each Pamilyang Malaboninan can work hand-in-hand to keep the Bayanihan spirit alive.

The website will also have a job matching portal, which would allow an applicant to find opportunities in various industries through filtered suggestions based on their skill set, years of experience, and other qualifications.

“The pandemic totally changed the way we do things. But despite the hardships we are facing, we always find ways to help our local businesses since they provide livelihood and employment,” said Mayor Oreta. “We must not be discouraged during these times and take this opportunity to transform our weaknesses into sources of competitive advantage. We can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger than ever.”