DTI-Laguna launches the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay – Livelihood Seeding Program in Famy, Laguna

Famy, Laguna --- The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) conducted an entrepreneurship seminar under the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (NSB) - Livelihood Seeding Program (LSP) at the Municipal Covered Court, Barangay Tunhac, Famy, Laguna, on October 9, 2020.

Topics discussed were on the DTI Programs and Services, Project Brief on the NSB-LSP, How to Start a Business, Business Plan, and a Consumer Education and Advocacy Initiative on the Basic Consumer Rights and Responsibilities and the Salient Features of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

This activity aims to help increase the number of business enterprises in the countryside as well as create additional jobs. Also, this program allows a wider reach of business development assistance by bringing programs, activities and services closer to the people, especially micro, small and medium enterprises affected by COVID-19 pandemic consumers 

DTI 4-A Grants Livelihood Support to Micro and Small Entreps in Ternate, Cavite

Livelihood support outpours in Ternate, Cavite as the Department of Trade and Industry Region 4-A, through its Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, granted starter kits to 25 qualified micro and small entrepreneurs on 24 September 2020.

The beneficiaries were awarded P200,000 worth of starter kits, which included twenty-two (22) sari-sari store packages, one (1) auto repair shop package, one (1) goto and tapsi food house package, and one (1) eatery package. 

The LSP-NSB is a program of the DTI that allows a wider reach of business development assistance by bringing government services closer to the people through partnerships between relevant local government units and DTI officials. Through Barangay Development Councils (BDCs), the DTI shall help capacitate Barangay personnel to provide basic business advisory or information dissemination services to MSMEs in the locality.

DTI 4-A Director Marilou Q. Toledo sought commitment from the beneficiaries that they sustain their chosen livelihood package.

“We have our Negosyo Centers all over the province of Cavite to inform our beneficiaries and the public about our programs and projects. Our Business Counsellors will be able to assist and guide them on how to start, sustain, and level-up their business,” said Toledo.

Ternate Mayor Lamberto D. Bambao thanked the DTI 4-A for the project and expressed his hope for more livelihood projects like this in the future.

As of September 2020, DTI 4-A has already distributed starter kits to 135 beneficiaries in the province of Cavite.

RCEP Trade Ministers Set to Conclude World’s Mega Trade Deal

MANILA—Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez reported that the recent meeting of the trade ministers of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) participating countries resolved almost all remaining outstanding issues of the trade deal.

During the virtual 8th RCEP Intersessional Ministerial Meeting (8th RCEP MM) held on 27 August 2020, the trade ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its five partners—namely, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea—, advanced significantly the negotiation, which paves the way to its signing in November 2020.

“While there were many challenges along the way, we kept our focus on the value and importance of RCEP and the merit of fostering regional cooperation,” Sec. Lopez said.

He added: “The conclusion of RCEP negotiation is a good symbol that notwithstanding the current pandemic, many great things can be accomplished, such as the affirmation of an international rules-based system for trade and investment in the region.”

Launched in November 2012, RCEP is an initiative by ASEAN to encourage trade among its member states and its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners. Without India, RCEP accounts for 30% of the world’s global population at 2.2 billion and 28.2% of the global GDP at a combined USD23.9 trillion, much larger than other regional trading blocs.

The bloc would also account for 27.8% of the total trade at USD10.5 trillion, with USD5.5 trillion in exports and USD4.9 trillion in imports, and contribute to 23.6% of global inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and 33.5% of global outward (FDI).

“With RCEP, enhanced market access for trade and investment will be established. This means that the Philippines can improve its export competitiveness in key products—such as garments, automotive parts, and agricultural products like canned food and preserved fruits—while encouraging more investments in the country in vital sectors such as research and development, financial services, game development, and IT-BPO,” said lead negotiator Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty.

Sec. Lopez added: “RCEP is a major milestone for the region and its partners, and is definitely more comprehensive than any FTA of ASEAN.”

Notwithstanding the significant progress of the negotiations, the trade ministers remained open to the participation of India in RCEP.

Meanwhile, the Trade Secretary also cited that the momentous trade deal, poised to be signed by November this year, will have major impact on jobs for the Filipino people and the enhanced participation of MSMEs in the global value chain.

“We are optimistic for the future of the country as we are set to conclude a historic milestone, especially in this time of crisis and the region’s post-pandemic recovery,” Sec. Lopez said.

DTI Grants Negosyo Kits to Pandemic-Affected Families in La Union

The Department of Trade and Industry Region (DTI) through has awarded Negosyo Starter Kits to 20 identified beneficiaries as part of the agency’s Pangkabuhayan sa pagBangon at Ginhawa (PBG) program.

Each of the beneficiaries received Php10,000 worth of Negosyo Starter Kit that varies from sari-sari store, bigasan (rice retail), frozen foods and tools and equipment for food processing during the awarding program last June 29 at the Bauang, La Union Municipal Hall. The program was led by Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan, Provincial Director Merlie Membrere and Bauang Mayor Menchie De Guzman.

DTI’s PBG programs aims to provide support to individuals and micro-enterprises affected by man-made and natural calamities, including the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19).

Norma Libatique, 65 years old, received the Bigasan Negosyo starter kit. She emotionally recalled how it has been hard for their family to earn a living during this crisis time. She used to work as a manicure/pedicure technician.

“Ngayong panahon ng pandemya, kung saan stay at home tayong lahat, napakaganda itong pagkakataon na nabigyan kami ng negosyo ng DTI. Maraming salamat po.” Norma added.

Prior to the awarding of business starter kits, a training on financial literacy and entrepreneurship was provided to the beneficiaries to further capacitate them in their new endeavors.

RD Baluyan encouraged the recipients to make the most of what they received to help others as well. "We will be happier if you make your businesses successful. We want you to grow not only for yourself and family but for the community too." she added.

Mayor De Guzman thanked DTI for the continuous programs and support that their town has been receiving. “As we continue to fight our unseen enemy (COVID-19), we know that DTI will be here to help us.” she added.

DTI, LGU Conduct Inspection of Faulty Weighing Scales in Antique

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), along with the Office of the Municipal Treasurer (MTO) and the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO) in the municipality of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, conducted a surprise inspection of weighing scale in a store inside the San Jose Tradetown.

This spot-checking of weighing scales was in response to a complaint of short-weighing which was lodged by a consumer on Facebook page of DTI Region VI.

As a result, the inspection team was able to confiscate two units of weighing scales – one for calibration and one for destruction. A total of three weighing scales were inspected at the store.

Under the Consumer Act of the Philippines or RA 7394, authorized personnel from the MTO must conduct calibration and sealing of weighing scales every six months. While, market inspectors under the MEEDO conducts regular monitoring.

The DTI-Antique Provincial Office earlier provided two units of "Timbangan ng Bayan" to the San Jose Tradetown where consumers can check the exact weight of their purchased goods.