DTI-Bataan bares Multi-Million aid to Small & Medium Business

CITY OF BALANGA,Bataan)— Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bataan bared that P15 million worth of facilities will be given to small and medium business owners across the province in a bid to accelerate their production.

Under the new Shared Service Facility (SSF) program of DTI, small and medium enterprises will be given better technology and more sophisticated equipment to improve the competitiveness of businesses. “The program aims to address the production gaps and bottlenecks in the industry clusters through the provision of processing machines and equipment,” said DTI-Bataan officer-in-charge Nelin Cabahug. Cabahug explained that they have identified specific industries in the province to help with. For example, she said a bamboo business owner will be given new machines and facilities to speed up production and expand business. The target number of SSFs to be established in Bataan is 10, amounting to P15 million.

More than 1,500 processors engaged in the manufacture of bamboo products, coffee, processed food, bags, and organic fertilizer are expected to benefit from the new program.

According to Amanda Battad, president of the Bataan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., many entrepreneurs are hampered with the lack of equipment to complement their operations.“ Businesses here are ready to expand. We are looking for the next business owners who will step up and make their own names. With the assistance of DTI, our chance of finding the next successful entrepreneurs becomes bigger,” said Battad, who has established the flourishing Amanda’s Marine Products through DTI’s support.

This SSF program, among other DTI services, was introduced to the newly-elected officials in the province after DTI-Bataan conducted courtesy visits recently.

Other programs discussed were the local investment and incentive code, consumer welfare and protection, and the strengthening of local coordinating council. Cabahug led the visits together with Eloisa Malibiran, Consumer Welfare and Business Regulatory Division chief; section head Nora Reclosado of the Business Development Division; section head Ma. Concepcion Sanico of Management Support Unit; and planning officer Teresita Magtanong. (CLJD/JMG-PIA 3)·