New MSMEprogramsfor 2017

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI) Region 3 Director Judith P. Angeles has announced her agency’s newlylaunched programs for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for 2017.

In keeping with the new administration’s thrust for a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines through Employment and Income Opportunities for everybody, three strategic initiatives are scheduled to be launched this year, viz: Brand Equity Development program (BED), Industry Cluster Enhancement program (ICE) and the Kapatid Mentor Micro Entrepreneur program or KMME.

Director Angeles explained each initiative, thus: the Brand Equity Development program intends “to develop new strong homegrown Philippine brands in both local and foreign markets from the areas of MSME. At least one brand is targeted to be developed per year per province.

The Industry Cluster Enhancement program will develop more globally integrated, highly sustainable and productive priority industry clusters among the MSMEs. So far, the Regional Operations Group of DTI has eight priority clusters-bamboo, coffee, cacao, coco coir, fruits and nuts, gifts, decors and wearables.

The third strategic initiative targets the micro entrepreneurs who would scale up their businesses via regular coaching and mentoring sessions for business owners and practitioners on different functional areas of entrepreneurship like those held in Negosyo Centers nationwide.

Ever active and prolific, Director Judy wants her agency to implement KMME sessions in all seven (7) provinces of the region in 2017.

****** In partnership with Negosyo Centers and to strengthen the viability of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Central Luzon, DTI will establish 26 more Negosyo Centers in different cities and municipalities of Region 3 in 2017. This effort will even extend up to the distant municipalities like Dingalan, Dipaculao and Casiguran in Aurora.

****** Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act provides the functions of Negosyo Centers such as to promote ease of doing business and access to services especially to MSMEs; coordinate government processes in the set-up and management of MSMEs; facilitate business registration; coordinate with LGUs and other agencies; provide business information and training for MSMEs; monitor and recommend business process improvement and build support network and market and product linkages.