On 2 March 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) IV-A Regional Office and DTI – Laguna Provincial Office spearhead the groundbreaking ceremony at the Government Center, Brgy. San Gregorio, City of San Pablo, Laguna.
The said event was graced by no less than DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, DTI 4-A Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo, DTI Laguna Provincial Director Clarke S. Nebrao, Hon. City Mayor of San Pablo, Laguna Loreto “Amben” S. Amante, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) South Luzon Regional Governor Romeo B. Race.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Mayor Amante stressed on the importance of providing MSMEs easier access to government programs and services. He said, “…iyong mga adhikain, lalo na para sa ating mga negosyante, ay iyong nangibabaw kaya po natuloy ang ating groundbreaking ceremony at siyempre at ang pagtatayo ng Provincial and Regional Office (sic) ng DTI.”
Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Lopez expressed his gratitude to the LGU – San Pablo City for the provision of huge lot for the construction of DTI CALABARZON Complex. In his inspirational message, he mentioned, “Isa pong karangalan na makadayo dito sa San Pablo, Laguna at narinig ko po ang generosity ng ating butihing Mayor Loreto Amante…we need dynamic leaders like Mayor Amante, iyong may vision. He is able to see the bigger picture… to see beyond the horizon… “
The vast 6,500-square meter land will soon be a home to a wide array of institutions that will help the Filipino public as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and consumers. It will house the DTI Calabarzon Complex, specifically buildings for the following:
1. Innovation Center to trail-baze technological advancements;
2. Co-working space for startups & business incubators;
3. Regional Office Consumer Protection Division Warehouse;
4. ASEAN MSME University; and
5. DTI Laguna Provincial Office with Negosyo Center & OTOP Hub
These strategic plans would amplify the assistance and service provided by the agency as it reaches, through the help of LGU – San Pablo, greater lengths when it comes to infrastructure and programs.
As the voice of the private sector, PCCI Regional Governor Romeo Race manifested his support to this project. He stated: “…isa pong karangalan para sa aming mga maliliit na negosyante dito sa lungsod ng San Pablo ang makaisa ng DTI at local government sa napakagandang araw na ito…isa pong karangalan sa aming private sector na makasama lagi ang DTI…”
Further, Provincial Director Nebrao exalted the fact that: “…after 40 years of DTI, magkakaroon na po ng sariling bahay, permanenteng bahay ang DTI CALABARZON…”
Finally, to which DTI – 4A Regional Director Toledo exalted the fact that: “…this (groundbreaking ceremony) is a manifestation of your support to introduce the culture of MSME development, of investments, of trade in the area, and of course, let’s not forget the consumer protection…”
Also present during the ceremony were DTI Cavite Provincial Director Revelyn Cortez, DTI Batangas OIC Provincial Director Leila M. Cabreros, DTI Rizal Provincial Director Desiderio G. Jurado III, DTI Office of the Secretary Deputy Chief-of-Staff Enrico A. Mariano, Laguna Youth Development Officer and Local Economic Development Investment and Promotions Officer Fatima A. Villaseñor, PCCI San Pablo City Vice President Reymundo D. De Leon, Auro Chocolate owner and Chairman of Fabtech Export Industries, Inc. Wilson K. Go, Micro, Small, and MSME consultants Jorge Noel Y. Wieneke and Jennifer B. Wieneke, Association of Laguna Food Processors President Jerry S. Urriquia Jr., and other stakeholders from local government, private sector, and local and national media. ♦
Date of Release: 16 March 2022