MARAWI CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded 500 livelihood starter kit certificates to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) during the Marawi Entrepreneurs’ Forum and Job Fair last July 16. The event, held at the Mindanao State University main campus in Marawi, is the first big forum and job fair in the city since the Marawi siege. Earlier programs in Marawi were on P3 micro lending and livelihood distribution, while big fora were done before in Iligan city.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants to ensure that government support continues and DTI must help revive businesses and livelihood in Marawi City. We will not stop until this city restores its vibrant trade and Industry,” said Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, head of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Sub-Committee on Business and Livelihood.

The starter kits are worth Php 15,000 and can be customized to the business of their choice. Earlier this year, DTI previously awarded 756 certificates for sewing, carinderia, sari-sari store, carpentry, electrician, Maranao delicacies, street food starter kits, Kia bongo delivery trucks, and mobile rice mills.

The new batch of starter kits will now include tricycles and pedicabs to answer the need for transportation in the area.

“Maranaos are naturally inclined to be entrepreneurs,” said Mindanao State University President Dr. Habib Macaayong as he expressed their readiness to start new businesses.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently approved the budget for the starter kits and DTI will now proceed with their procurement.

Aside from DTI awarding starter kits, the event featured a forum on financing by the Small Business Corporation, Asa Philippines, and Al-Amanah Islamic Bank.

Partner organizations DSWD, USAID, Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation, Coke and TESDA also shared their livelihood programs.

For job-seekers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also offered a job fair during the second half of the program.

Date of release: 17 July 2018