CEBU — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu took part in the simultaneous nationwide initiative, “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Cebu City. The event was spearheaded by the Office of the President – Presidential Management Staff (PMS), in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Organized with the support of the Cebu Provincial Government, the event aimed to bring comprehensive government services directly to the people, enhancing access for underserved communities. The occasion also marked the 67th birthday celebration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
A key highlight of the event was the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative, which seeks to support and empower local farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by creating direct market linkages with consumers. By eliminating middlemen, the program enables producers to offer their goods at fairer prices, while consumers benefit from affordable, high-quality products.
In Cebu, the success of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 7, and the Cebu Provincial Government. Seven DTI-assisted MSMEs participated in the event, generating a combined sales total of ₱30,745. The participating MSMEs were:
- Articles Manufacturing Aira Bagshop (Minglanilla)
- Bakerlane Bakery (Medellin)
- Grnd Up Consumer Goods Trading (Mandaue City)
- Jayboi’s Stepwear Slippers and Sandals Manufacturing (Carcar City)
- Rachel N’ Jhundy’s Homemade Food Products (Talisay City)
- Sandria’s Delicious Concept (Minglanilla)
- Vhonytiff Fruit Food Products Processing (Carcar City)
Additionally, seven DA-assisted Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) participated in the Kadiwa initiative, collectively generating ₱60,557 in sales. This brought the total combined sales to ₱91,302 for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo event held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds.
These MSMEs and FCAs exemplify Cebu’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing a diverse range of local products and underscoring the potential for small businesses to thrive with the right support and market access.
In addition to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo event, DTI Cebu provided various services focused on empowering local entrepreneurs:
- Business Registration Facilitation and Information Dissemination: DTI Cebu offered assistance and guidance on business registration processes, including Business Name (BN) and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) registration, ensuring that entrepreneurs were well-informed and equipped to formalize their businesses.
- Other Negosyo Center Services: The Negosyo Center extended business-related advisory services, providing entrepreneurs with expert guidance on business development and management strategies.
- Consumer Care Services: A consumer protection platform was available for the public to address complaints and concerns, ensuring proper resolution and upholding consumer rights.
- Financing Assistance: Through Small Business Corporation, DTI Cebu provided information on financial support available for MSMEs, helping entrepreneurs access resources necessary for growth and sustainability.
The event was graced by notable officials, including Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, Cebu Acting Gov. Hilario Davide III, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Undersecretary Terence Calatrava, and Atty. Jarred Gullas, Director of the Presidential Management Staff. Also in attendance were Cebu Provincial Government Board Members, local mayors and LGU representatives, DTI-7 Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon, DTI-Cebu Provincial Director Rose Mae Quiñanola, other regional directors and officials from various National Government Agencies, as well as beneficiaries of the programs offered by the participating agencies.
In addition to various national agencies, several offices from the Cebu Provincial Government were actively involved, offering vital services to the public. These included the:
- Provincial Health Office
- Provincial Agriculture’s Office
- Provincial Assessor’s Office
- Provincial Legal Office
- Provincial Veterinary Office
On the national front, numerous government agencies participated, ensuring that a broad spectrum of services was made available to the local community. The participating national agencies included:
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
- Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Department of Tourism (DOT)
- National Food Authority (NFA)
- Department of Agriculture (DA)
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
DTI Cebu remains committed to providing essential services to MSMEs and local entrepreneurs, ensuring that government support reaches all sectors of society. This event reflects the DTI’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable business environment, paving the way for continued growth and development in Cebu and across the nation. (DTI Cebu/PR) ♦
Date of release: 20 September 2024