By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Dutch non-governmental organization (NGO) Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM), or Manager Deployment Program, is currently in Negros Occidental to work with small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
According to country coordinator Albert Weterings, “We only assist SMEs who met certain standards, such as existence for at least two years, a minimum of 10 employees, a focus on those who really need assistance, where we can leave an impact, and those people who cannot afford experts.”
He said the NGO will be providing their expertise for free
Weterings explained the focus of PUM is for SMEs to grow, export their products, make money, and create jobs.
He pointed out, in 2016, the NGO worked on 27 projects in the Philippines.
“My intention is to make 100 this year,” Weterings said. “We have five people working here, in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and in Negros.”
PUM is fully funded by the Dutch government and has 35 years of experience./WDJ