Antipolo City, Rizal — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) participated in the nationwide simultaneous distribution of assistance in a one-day program spearheaded by the Office of the President, 13 September 2024.

Coinciding with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 67^th birthday dubbed “Handog ng Pangulo, Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” this initiative aimed to empower local farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The DTI, through the Office of Special Concerns, provided direct access to consumers, reducing multiple layers of market intermediaries, and ensuring affordable products are available across the country. The Office of Special Concerns is the Department’s representative for Kadiwa ng Pangulo and the Diskwento Caravan.

DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who led the Caravan in Antipolo City, emphasized the Department’s commitment to supporting MSMEs and ensuring stable food supply through direct consumer access.

“Through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Diskwento Caravan, we are providing our local MSMEs with the opportunity to directly engage with consumers, ensuring that every Filipino has access to affordable and quality goods. This is at the heart of Bagong Pilipinas, which champions uplifting the lives of every Filipino by building a stronger and more inclusive economy,” Secretary Roque said.

As part of the DTI’s participation in the event, Secretary Roque led the distribution of assistance to 15 beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Rizal Province.

Additionally, the DTI set up a Negosyo Center at Sumulong Park, offering business consultancy and registration services, along with a marketing event featuring local MSMEs and their products.

DTI Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Dominic Tolentino Jr. highlighted the collaborative effort of various government agencies in ensuring the success of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

“This nationwide rollout is a reflection of the government’s dedication to uplifting the lives of our farmers, fisherfolk, and MSMEs. By eliminating the intermediaries, we are providing them with a direct market and a greater opportunity to thrive, while also ensuring that the people receive quality and affordable products,” said Assistant Secretary Tolentino.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program is a joint initiative between the Presidential Communications Office, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and local government units. The program underscores the government’s commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national progress.

Aside from Secretary Roque, DTI Undersecretaries Amanda Nograles, Rafaelita Aldaba, and Allan Gepty attended their respective assignments in Samar, Leyte; Kalinga, and Camarines Norte, respectively. ♦

Date of release: 21 September 2024

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