DTI-Iloilo eyes potential entrepreneurs in barangays

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wants to reach and capacitate small time and business entrepreneurs under its their new program dubbed “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay” this year.

The activity, which aims to spread awareness on the various programs and activities of DTI, will benefit 87 barangays from 17 fourth to fifth class municipalities in the Iloilo, according to concurrent DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes.

Mutya Eusores, DTI’s Industry Development Division Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist and Negosyo Center Account Officer, said that the activity will benefit 100 participants in every batch of the Negosyo Serbisyo.

“It’s a half day event to gather at least 100 residents in a particular barangay. It will be an information education campaign of the services of negosyo centers and development partners,” Eusores said.

Eusores said the activity will help small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and business entrepreneurs who plan to start their own business.

“We will be inviting representatives from other agencies and institutions like microfinance institutions who provides services for SMEs.

They can expect consultancy services for those who want to start their businesses and awareness at how they can level up their products and services,” she said.

Meanwhile, Pollentes emphasized that they want to reach out to barangays to encourage residents to become entrepreneurs.

“We go to barangays because we want them to become entrepreneurs. We want to create entrepreneurial revolution because that’s the only way we can compete with our neighboring countries. Our secretary wanted us to reach more in the grassroots that is why all provincial offices have been tasked to go to the fourth and sixth class municipalities nationwide,” she said.

Residents who already have their own businesses can have them registered after the training, Pollentes added.

Meanwhile, Eusores said they hope to cover the 87 barangays by November 2019.