To assist local enterprises in achieving sustainable growth and development, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) distributed P7.3 million worth of financial assistance and conducted training programs to 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in Bicol.
DTI Bicol, through its Camarines Sur provincial office, said it distributed 50 livelihood starter kits worth P9,882 to MSMEs.
In addition, a total amount of P6.8 million in loans were also granted to 12 MSMEs through SB Corp.’s RISE Up loan program.
Meanwhile, DTI provided training seminars and counseling to more than 1,000 participants and assisted hundreds of walk-in applicants Business Name Registration System (BNRS), and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE).
"We are here to provide assistance and training programs to our businesses, encouraging them to expand their market and be digitally-ready,” DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said during the ceremonial distribution and the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on Sept. 23 in Camarines Sur Polytechnic College.
Pascual was with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the BPSF launch. He said the "DTI supports the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair which aims to consolidate the government's programs and services in one venue to ensure its accessibility for Filipinos."
The training programs include Negosyo Center training activities, Negosyo Center Business Counseling, Livelihood Seeding Program – Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (LSP-PPG), RISE Up, BNRS and BMBE application.
Further, the fair also featured the government’s flagship programs, specifically the Diskwento Caravan and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo.
DTI Camarines Sur reported that 12 One Town, One Product (OTOP) MSMEs and six suppliers of schools and grocery items participated in both the caravan and the Kadiwa, reaching a combined sales of over P141,000 just on its first day.
The BPSF is the country’s biggest service caravan aimed at providing various government services to underprivileged Filipinos across the country.
More than 40 government agencies participate in this two-day caravan that aims to deliver social services, livelihood and educational services, regulatory functions, and other government-related services to Filipinos.
“The BPSF is a testament to the administration’s vision to ensure that government programs reach all Filipinos in various parts of the country. As DTI Secretary, my department will remain committed to our promise of providing ‘Serbisyong Higit Pa Sa Inaasahan’ to both consumers and businesses,” Pascual said. (Ma. Joselie C. Garcia)