In photo: DTI Laguna, Sta. Cruz City Administrator together with the PPG beneficiaries in Santa Cruz, Laguna

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) through Negosyo Center Santa Cruz, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit, capacitated Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) beneficiaries through the provision of information on DTI Programs and Services and entrepreneurial training, at the Auditorium, New Municipal Hall, Cailles St., Barangay III (Poblacion), Santa Cruz, Laguna, on 19 May 2022. A total of 86 beneficiaries participated in this activity: 84 from Santa Cruz and two (2) from Pila, including fire victims, OFW returnees, and micro-enterprises with patients (with medical conditions) to support.

Mr. Melvin O. Bonza, Santa Cruz Municipal Administrator, on behalf of Hon. Edgar “Egay” S., Mayor San Luis, expressed their gratitude for granting more than 80 PPG beneficiaries. He also encouraged each beneficiary to listen intently to the entrepreneurship session as it is designed for them. He also mentioned that this program, like the DSWD-4Ps, might be recommended to the LGU for localization if it is successful.

On the other hand, Mr. Arnel M. Magpily, Senior Trade and Industry Specialist of DTI-Laguna, presented an overview of the agency’s programs and services, highlighting the agency’s duty to enable businesses.

Then, Ms. Liana Mara DL. Bayunggan, assigned PPG support staff, led a workshop for beneficiaries on a simplified action plan, providing a sample summary of their monthly net income based on daily sales generated and costs spent.

Subsequently, Ms. Julie Flor C. Garcia from DTI-Laguna’s Consumer Protection Division, outlined the services being provided to consumers, particularly those who need assistance in filing a complaint. She then emphasized each entrepreneur and consumer’s rights and responsibilities.

In photo: Discussion about Critical Awareness

Moreover, Senior Business Counselor Anne Camille S. Alducente went through the step-by-step process of starting a business, the attributes and characteristics that an entrepreneur should have, and the government and non-government agencies that may assist MSMEs in their development. She also emphasized the benefits of barangay micro business enterprises (BMBEs Act of 2002) under Republic Act No. 9178.

This PPG activity is in lieu of DTI’s commitment to providing needed resources that will support the recovery and continuity of affected businesses and individuals and/or families. ♦

Date of Release: 21 June 2022