The Department of Trade Industry – Rizal continues to deliver its “Serbisyong Higit Pa Sa Inaasahan” to MSMEs as the agency, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Baras through Negosyo Center Baras, awards livelihood kits to the 51 sari-sari store owners from various barangays of the town and 4 former rebels under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program on October 3, 2022, at the Ynares Covered Court, Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal.
The program was hosted by Mr. Felipe Fortunato, Business Counselor of Negosyo Center Baras and attended by Ms. Cleotilde Duran, the OIC-Provincial Director of DTI Rizal; Ms. Sharon Dioco, Business Development Division Chief; Hon. Mayor Wilfredo Robles with councilors Mario Mendoza, Ver Robles, Bien Garrovillas, Emman Olaño and Jovita Cawicaan, Community Affairs Officer; Ms. Mary Ann Geronimo; and 1 Lt. Richie Pagumpaya from the 80th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
Before the awarding program, Mr. Stephen Rodriguez of MYPS Hydroponics Garden Enterprises gave a lecture on the importance of inventory management in doing business. He discussed the consequences of mismanaging inventory and told everyone that every inflow and outflow in the business should be recorded.
In her message, OIC-PD Duran congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to use the livelihood kits efficiently to recover their businesses. In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Robles extended his sincerest gratitude to DTI for its continuous assistance to the MSMEs and took the opportunity to discuss the programs and services that the LGU offers to its constituents, such as health and livelihood assistance. Represented the former rebel beneficiaries, 1 Lt. Pagumpaya also gave a short message to the beneficiaries.
Some of the beneficiaries gave their testimonies and stories of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses and the coping strategies they used to survive. They also thanked DTI for the livelihood assistance it offered for them to recover. One of them was Ms. Glaiza Manlangit, who shared that she opens her store early and closes late to earn more sales and does marketing strategies to attract customers, such as decreasing prices a little despite the economic crisis. She also reiterated that every sari-sari store owner should abide by the law and acquire the necessary permits to operate in the fairness of those who comply.
During the ceremonial awarding of livelihood kits, the beneficiaries had a photo opportunity with OIC-PD Duran, Mayor Robles, the municipal councilors, and 1st Lt. Pagumpaya. ♦
Date of Release: 10 October 2022