SANTA MARIA, LAGUNA — Following the courtesy visit with Santa Maria Mayor Atty. Ma. Rocelle V. Carolino on 10 June 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) Director Clarke S. Nebrao and Business Development Division Chief Lina Alcantara returned to Santa Maria, Laguna, along with Negosyo Center Business Counsellor Joemarie Valizado to accept the mayor’s invitation to visit one of the tourism businesses in the upland barangay and have a luncheon meeting with her.

LGU Santa Maria and DTI-Laguna officials viewed the amenities of KM90 Eco Park and Restaurant, including the man-made lake, swimming pool, room accommodations, and the breathtaking landscape. Nebrao made some suggestions for the place’s development.

The following agenda was discussed while the group was having lunch:

• Diskwento Caravan to be held at the Municipal Covered Court, Santa Maria, Laguna, on 24 June 2021

• Reactivation of the Pasalubong Center, which showcases Santa Maria, Laguna’s products, through a probable collaboration among the Local Government Unit (LGU) Santa Maria, the Samahan ng mga Kapitana, and the Association of Laguna Food Processors Inc Board of Director and Amazing Foods Corp. CEO Jessica Gutierrez

• Support for tourism businesses through the partners from the Netherlands for a prospective market-matching opportunity

• Possible formation of MSME Development Council in the municipality

• Invitation of Carolino to attend the Grand Blessing of the new Municipal Building on 7 July 2021

After a fruitful discussion, the group visited the production area of Juan Santiago Agriculture Cooperative (JSACOOP), a recipient of DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME and One Town, One Product Programs. More initiatives are planned for the cooperative, including product development training, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) equipment grant, Intellectual Property Office (IPO) registration and Food and Drug Authority (FDA) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) application support, and market-matching. DTI-Laguna and LGU Santa Maria are devoted to boosting local businesses.

After their productive meeting and visit in Santa Maria, Laguna, DTI-Laguna staff traveled to the Municipality of Paete, Laguna, to check on the status of the Negosyo Center Paete office refurbishment. Paete Tourism Officer, Mr. Joel Barretto, greeted the DTI-Laguna team and toured them around the Negosyo Center office. The renovation is nearly complete, with the launch of Negosyo Center Paete scheduled for 28 June 2021. This would bring DTI and Negosyo Center programs and services closer to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the community.♦

Date of Release: 29 June 2021