DTI joins Pangasinan LAB for All to boost local biz

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan -- The Dept. of Trade and Industry joined the LAB For All Project to signify the DTI’s commitment to bring essential government services and programs directly to communities nationwide last Feb. 6.

    The LAB For All Project, headed by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, is a priority undertaking to enhance access to vital services, ensuring that citizens receive the support they need in a timely and efficient manner.

    Through this initiative, the DTI Region 1 aimed to contribute to the overall development and empowerment of local communities by facilitating access to business, trade-related services, resources, and information.

    With DTI Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Dominic Tolentino and DTI Region 1 Regional Director Merlie Membrere at the helm, the DTI showcased its services to the community.

    "We are excited to be part of this transformative project. Our participation in LAB For All reflects our dedication to serving the public and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level,” Asec. Tolentino said.

    DTI set up a vibrant array of products from One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.

Attendees explored the Ilocos Region-made goods by local artisans. From the exquisite loom-weaving products of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur to the unique “Luca”l products of La Union and the innovative “Ang Galing” products of Pangasinan, these were all displayed at the OTOP Display Booth.

    In addition to the OTOP display, DTI offered a comprehensive suite of vital business support services.

    Twenty-nine experienced mentors from Go Negosyo provided expert guidance to a total of 159 entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses during the mentoring sessions through the 3M (Mentorship, Money, Market) on Wheels Program.

    Facilitation of business name and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) registrations to streamline the process of formalizing businesses were also available. For those in need of financial assistance, the Small Business (SB) Corporation team provided information and guidance on accessing various financing options.

DTI’s participation in the LAB for All program underscores its commitment to a whole-of-nation approach to development by working in collaboration with other government agencies and private sector partners.

    Meanwhile, Asec. Tolentino took the opportunity and visited the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project at the Food Innovation Center, located within the Pangasinan State University (PSU) Bayambang Campus.

    The initiative seeks to enhance local food innovation and entrepreneurship. The facility houses machines and equipment specifically designed for food processing, preservation, and packaging. Some of these invaluable resources were provided by the DTI to empower students, cooperatives, associations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region.