LOCAL Government Units (LGUs) must support local businesses and create an environment where small-scale traders can stay competitive amidst the financial difficulties.

This was the call of Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, speaking as chairman of the board and president of the City Supermarket Incorporated, when asked to react on the reported plan of SM to set up shop in Mangaldan.

“We have to make these small businesses ready so that they can face the challenge posed by the continuing economic crisis,” Fernandez said during the Kapisanan ng mga Brokasters sa Pilipinas Forum at the Philippine Information Agency office in Dagupan.

Fernandez said she is not against the entry of big retailers in the local scene as she supports free enterprise, but the LGUs must first seek to improve infrastructure to make commerce viable for all to level the playing field before issuing new permits and licenses.

“It is the duty of local government units to sustain and promote their local businessmen as they were always with them even when the going gets rough in the past,” Fernandez said.

As head of CSI, Fernandez said she is unfazed about the reported entry of SM in Mangaldan and added her group is prepared for competition.

CSI is also opening a new branch in Mangaldan and another store is being planned in a town in eastern Pangasinan.—LM

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