Paete, Laguna – The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office is actively looking for ways to develop more inclusive, innovative, and competitive industry sectors. Pursuant to the Philippines Development Plan 2017-2022, DTI aims to expand economic opportunities, most especially for the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by connecting with industry leaders to have more in-depth knowledge on the specific needs of each sector.

In line with this, DTI-Laguna’s Provincial Director, Clarke S. Nebrao and the Banhay Kulay Paete Artist Guild’s officers had an exploratory meeting on 12 November 2021, 10:00 AM, at Otep’s Bañez Shop in Paete, Laguna. The objective of the meeting is to assess and evaluate the needs of the organization as a whole and determine factors wherein DTI – Laguna can collaborate with them for the continuous development of the industry in Paete.

Before the meeting started, a member from the Banhay Kulay Paete Artists Guild led the prayer. Provincial Director Clarke opened the meeting by introducing the DTI staff who were there and discussed DTI’s programs and services, “I value the Artist Group. Ano ba ang ating maaaring pagkatulungan?”. He offered art exhibitions in Ayala Malls and SM Aura by end of this year or early next year. He also promised them that he will let 5 members of the group come to Spain with him next year in 2022 with all free expense and come home with sold artworks.

“For us, we don’t expect any help from anybody anymore, we experienced a lot of failures from other government agencies offering us help but no good results. We are very happy because the DTI-Laguna is willing to help us and reached for us Artists of Paete to expose on more exhibition in Ayala Malls and SM Aura.”, Mr. Joseph Bañez [President of the organization] said. “Nabuhayan ng loob ang mga Artists Guild ng Paete! Hulog kayo ng langit!”, Ka Pern (Vice President of the organization) said. ♦

Date of Release: 7 December 2021