One new business in each of the country’s 82 provinces.
This is the ambitious objective of a new private-sector led initiative to be spearheaded by AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee, who announced the new program in a speech on Friday at the 36th Commencement Exercises of Sorsogon State University (SORSU).
The self-made businessman whose family businesses now employ over 3,000 Filipinos added that one of his objectives is to convince young Filipinos that they need not look abroad for employment or livelihood opportunities.
The Sorsogon-born lawmaker and founder of the LKY Group of Companies told 1,289 SORSU graduates that—inspired by the US TV show “Shark Tank”—he would lead a group of investors that will be formed and will solicit business proposals from young entrepreneurs all over the country, including Sorsogon.
“Iikot ang ating team of investors sa buong bansa; pupuntahan natin lahat ng 82 probinsya, at makikinig sa iba’t ibang business ideas. Ang mga mapipili, tutulungan natin sa kapital at pagpapalago ng kanilang Negosyo,” said Lee.
“Isa ito sa pagsisikap natin na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga kabataan, ang ating mga young entrepreneurs, na mapalago ang kanilang negosyo. Gusto natin na ma-engganyo silang gamitin ang kanilang husay at talino hindi lang para mapaunlad ang sarili, kundi para makatulong din sa ating mga kababayan.”
The legislator explained that this is a program that will benefit everyone, because each successful business will produce jobs and livelihood opportunities that can support Filipino families.
Lee stressed that “kapag nagtagumpay sila sa negosyo, lilikha din ito ng mga trabaho at serbisyo para sa iba pa nating mga kababayan, na mabibigyan din ng pag-asa na mapaunlad ang pamumuhay ng kanilang pamilya.”
The self-made businessman whose family businesses now employ over 3,000 Filipinos added that one of his objectives is to convince young Filipinos that they need not look abroad for employment or livelihood opportunities.
From modest beginnings in Sorsogon, Bicol, where his father opened his first Goodluck Store 60 years ago, Lee grew his father’s business into the LKY Group of Companies, which has interests in the retail, food, construction, real estate and hospitality sectors.
“Gusto po natin na mabago ang mindset ng ating mga kabataan o ng marami nating mga kababayan,” said the solon, “sa kaisipan na walang pag-asang umasenso dito sa Pilipinas, kaya mas gugustuhin nilang makipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa kapalit ng pagkawalay sa kanilang pamilya.”
“If change is to be, change is up to us. We cannot stop with just a dream. Hindi pwedeng hanggang panaginip lang, pangiti-ngiti sa imahinasyon. We have to finish it by making our dream come true. Kailangan natin tuparin ang ating mga pangarap, gaano man kahirap, mukha mang imposible, walang tigil ang laban ng buhay. If you believe you can, you can.”
Lee is currently serving his first term in the House of Representatives, where he represents the agriculture and fisheries sector and fights for the interests and rights of the marginalized. At present he sits on 24 Congressional committees and is the principal author and author of more than 121 bills.
From modest beginnings in Sorsogon, Bicol, where his father opened his first Goodluck Store 60 years ago, Lee grew his father’s business into the LKY Group of Companies, which has interests in the retail, food, construction, real estate and hospitality sectors.
Among the distinctions he earned during his stewardship of the LKY Group of Companies are the Rokyaw Ibalnong Awards for Business and Industry, Most Outstanding Sorsogueño Award in the field of Business and Industry, and Bicol’s prestigious “Halyao Award” as Bicolano Businessman of the Year.
