The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zambales province has vowed to continue supporting local entrepreneurs in line with the government’s active involvement in regional development.

DTI officer-in-charge, provincial director Enrique Tacbad, said the agency’s accomplishment was met through the support of the local government units and the private sector.

“The DTI-Zambales is so proud and thankful to local governments and the private sector who work hand-in-hand with DTI in promoting the local products and services of Zambales, as well as, providing technical supports,” Tacbad told the media on Tuesday.

As of November this year, the DTI-Zambales has provided administrative and technical assistance to 3,447 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and conducted 279 sales promotions for local products.

Also, the DTI-Zambales approved and issued 7,198 new business names and 1,044 Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE)- businesses with not more than PHP3 million capital investment and engaged in production, processing and manufacturing of products or commodities.

“Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, there was also a significant increase of businesses that sell or buy using the internet,” Tacbad said, adding that as of this date, there are 2,282 MSMEs registered e-businesses in Zambales and Olongapo City.

The DTI-Zambales has also launched Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (NSB) awarding livelihood kits to 55 beneficiaries from the province’s 11 barangays with a total of PHP495,000.

Each livelihood kit includes food processing materials, sari-sari store and food and beverage, bamboo craft and vulcanizing package.

To promote the benefits of bamboo as alternative livelihood material, the DTI-Zambales had tied up with President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial State University (PRMMSU) to conduct bamboo planting projects, establishing the Zambales Bamboo Industry Development Council and skills training on bamboo products.

The DTI-Zambales also distributed some PHP4.07 million to 588 beneficiaries under its “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa” program.

Meanwhile, DTI-Zambales on Monday conferred the DTI Bagwis Award (gold) to SM City (Olongapo) Central Supermarket, and the DTI Bagwis Award (silver) to ADD Garbes Servitek, Olongapo City.

The DTI Bagwis Awards is a symbol of recognition to any business which uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business where consumers experience the best quality service for the money spent.

The silver award is given to businesses that have shown the best qualities in promoting social responsibility while the gold seal recognizes the business that achieved the requirements of the silver award plus establishing quality orientation management. (PNA)