In line with its commitment to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry through the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp.) granted a total of ₱2,450,000 in approved loan assistance to 15 local businesses at the Lab for All Caravan held in Bago City in the province of Negros Occidental.
Individual loans ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000 were given to recipients representing diverse sectors including food carts, cafes, sari-sari stores, meat shops, piggeries, and commercial space rentals.
The financial aid, which was the highlight of the ceremonial turnover, is intended to support the MSMEs’ working capital and fund their business expansion plans.
The caravan also showcased the DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program, which gives MSMEs access to costly modern production and processing technologies.
Notably, a Coffee Processing and Toll Packaging SSF, valued at ₱2,675,400, which was implemented in partnership with the City Government of Bago, will be transferred to the local government, to enhance Bago City’s capacity to support coffee processors and related enterprises.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the rollout reflects the agency’s push to provide practical, accessible support to small businesses, adding that the Lab for All initiative demonstrates President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda of bringing government services directly to communities.
“Dinala ng DTI ang Negosyo Center services, SBCorp loans, at suporta sa product development, packaging, at trade fairs upang matulungan silang lumago, kumita, at magkaroon ng stable na kabuhayan.”
“Dito sa Bago City, nakita namin na kailangan ng maliliit na negosyo ang sapat at tamang tulong para umunlad. Kaya dinala ng DTI ang Negosyo Center services, SBCorp loans, at suporta sa product development, packaging, at trade fairs upang matulungan silang lumago, kumita, at magkaroon ng stable na kabuhayan,” Roque said.
“DTI continues to support entrepreneurial resilience and inclusive growth through access to finance and technology development.”
DTI Negros Occidental Provincial Director Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal stated that DTI “continues to support the entrepreneurial resilience and inclusive growth through access to finance and technology development,” underscoring that the provision of both financial support and capacity-building programs ensures small businesses have the tools they need to succeed.
The DTI’s presence at the caravan allowed entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and the public to witness firsthand the agency’s multifaceted initiatives designed to strengthen MSMEs and promote a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout Negros Occidental.
The positive turnout and immediate disbursement of funds signal a strong forward momentum for the province’s local economy.
