DTI encourages non-SAP residents to avail of Negosyo program

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has said that residents who were not able to avail of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Social Amelioration Program (SAP) can sign up for their Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (NSB) program.

Under the NSB program, residents can avail of a ‘livelihood kit’ worth P5,000 to P8,000 (non-cash) after undergoing orientation.

DTI Region 6 Assistant Regional Director Ermelinda Pollentes said that that the NSB program was not extensive last year, but because of the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the DTI may be doing the NSB program in all municipalities.

“The DTI has already done the NSB before in fourth and fifth class municipalities. It was not extensive last year, but because of what had happened with the COVID-19, we may bring it this time to all municipalities,” she said.

Pollentes clarified that not all attendees of the orientation will be able to avail of the NSB program, as the DTI would still have to validate whether or not attendees are also recipients of the DSWD’s SAP.

She said that the orientation will commence after local government units lift their respective Enhanced Community Quarantines (ECQ).