DTI-6, Iloilo 2nd district partner for MSME development

PAVIA, Iloilo — The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local enterprise development through a courtesy visit to Rep. Kathy Gorriceta on May 19, 2026.

The DTI-6 delegation was led by officer-in-charge Regional Director Mutya D. Eusores and officer-in-charge Assistant Regional Director Romel Amihan.

They were joined by DTI Iloilo Provincial Office personnel Shayne J. Taganao, trade promotion officer; Charlene Joy A. Adeja, Negosyo Center coordinator; and Mariane B. Magno, Negosyo Center business counselor of Negosyo Center Pavia.

During the meeting, DTI Iloilo presented its ongoing initiatives and accomplishments in supporting micro, small and medium enterprises in the district, particularly through OTOP Philippines.

OTOP Philippines, or One Town, One Product, is a DTI program that helps promote locally made products by supporting enterprise development, product improvement and market access.

The program has enabled local enterprises to join regional and national trade fairs, helping them expand market reach and promote locally made goods.

DTI Iloilo also presented Shared Service Facilities established across the second district to improve productivity and provide community enterprises with shared access to equipment and processing facilities.

The facilities include pandan weaving and fruit and vegetable processing facilities in Leon.

They also include bamboo furniture and handicraft production facilities in Alimodian.

In Pavia, the facilities include toll packaging and food processing, as well as the expansion of the Bamboo Furniture Center.

In New Lucena, the facilities include virgin coconut oil and coconut milk processing, as well as chocolate processing facilities.

The Shared Service Facilities program was designed to help MSMEs address gaps in production by giving them access to machinery, equipment, tools and related support for common use.

DTI Iloilo also discussed programs and services delivered through the eight Negosyo Centers operating within the district.

The agency also presented the proposed third run of the Product Bazaar, which aims to further promote local products and enterprises.

Negosyo Centers were created under Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, to help promote ease of doing business and improve MSME access to services such as business registration assistance, training, technology transfer and market support.

Gorriceta expressed full support for women-led and community-based enterprises.

She emphasized the need to create stronger market opportunities and sustainable support systems for local entrepreneurs.

Gorriceta also stressed the need to strengthen assistance for local crafters and enterprises through skills enhancement, product development, manpower support and wider market access.

The congresswoman proposed exploring a “big brother, small brother” strategy in partnership with DTI to help emerging businesses grow through mentorship and collaboration.