5 Benguet towns benefit from P1.7 DTI projects

By Art Tibaldo

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Six co-operators from the province of Benguet received a package of livelihood equipment under the Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Services Facility (SSF) during the launching program held here at the provincial capitol.

Amounting to P1.7 million, the facilities which comprise three SSFs for veggie noodle and three SSFs for weaving were turned over to co-operators from Atok, Buguias, La Trinidad, Itogon and Kabayan.

During turn-over ceremonies, DTI-Cordillera director Myrna P. Pablo urged other municipalities of Benguet to submit additional project proposals thru the DTI-Benguet Provincial Office.  

Pablo added that eligible co-operators are associations and cooperatives duly recognized, registered or accredited by agencies like DOLE, DSWD, SEC, CDA and the DTI. Such associations or cooperatives with juridical personalities should likewise have a viable track record for the last two years Pablo added.

Gov. Nestor Fongwan who called on all the thirteen Benguet municipal mayors to witness the turn-over said that the SSF will definitely help boost the capacity of food processors and weavers of the province and he further requested DTI to assist the SMEs in standards and quality control so that their products can meet the standard requirements of bigger markets or department stores,

Director Frank Bonuan of DTI’s Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC) who spearheads the SSF Program Management Office urges the provincial officials and SMEs to submit proposals as there is still budget available under the administration’s Shared Services Facility Program.

For the next five years, DTI will maintain ownership of said facilities, provide technical assistance and continue to monitor the use and maintenance of the SSFs until the co-operators shall have proven that these government issued facilities have improved their production process and manufacturing technologies which eventually enhance their marketability and competencies.

The DTI officials also stressed that the program addresses the goal under the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan of the Poverty Alleviation with inclusive growth.