The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Region 10 has warned the public of a group named “Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines” in the guise of using the government’s micro-financing program called Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso by collecting P100 from individuals in several barangays and municipalities within Misamis Oriental.

The group claims that the fee is intended for the procurement of an identification card (ID) which can be presented to any DTI office in the region, according to the complaints.

The group claims that through the ID, listed registrants can claim a Php 15,000 loan under the P3 program. This scam is said to have reached areas as far as the CARAGA region.

DTI strongly warns the public of such motives. DTI’s attached agency and micro-financing arm, Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), handles the P3 Program and doesn’t collect fees.

Jade Montero, SB Corp’s Officer in Region 10, denied the group’s claim, adding that SB Corp only recognizes government-issued IDs as proof of identification.

He also encouraged interested small entrepreneurs who wish to avail loans under the P3 program to visit the nearest DTI office and inquire on the guidelines of loan program.

DTI Region 10 reiterates that the P3 program has yet to be launched in the region, being province of Bukidnon identified as the priority area.