The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Iloilo province, through its “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay” program, has visited villages to disseminate services to the public.

DTI-Iloilo targets to reach 87 villages this year and has visited 78 villages with 8,714 participants as of Monday, Oct. 14.

Mutya Eusores, the senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Iloilo, said in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 15, that DTI-Iloilo targets to finish the 87 villages by the end of October.

“During the village visits, we brought teams from the industry development division and the consumer protection division presenting to the public the programs and the services of the department, as well as the fair trade laws and advocacies of the consumer protection division,” Eusores said.

The DTI was also joined by the local government units to disseminate information on business permitting and other business-related registrations.

The “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay” has visited the municipalities of Guimbal and Tubungan in the first district; San Miguel, Zarraga, and New Lucena in the second district; and Badiangan, Bingawan, and Mina in the third district.
In the fourth district, the program was able to reach Anilao, Banate, and Dueñas; and in the fifth district, the towns of Balasan, Batad, Lemery, San Dionisio, and San Rafael.

During their village visits, Eusores said there were “potential” aspiring entrepreneurs whom the department could assist more through its established Negosyo centers.

“We will not limit our recognition of clients to those geographically accessible, but even to the village level where existing businesses have potential” but have no idea where to get help or whom to consult for mentoring, she said.

DTI-Iloilo also observed home-based businesses, such as sari-sari stores.

Eusores said micro, small and medium enterprises need to be assisted so they would have the right mindset for business.

“Business is supposed to be sustainable. There should be a path of growth to be followed. On their part, they take it (on) a daily basis, which means that their income is only good for their consumption,” she said.

After the “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay”, Eusores assured that the DTI’s business counselors would return to the villages to “further give services, mentor and coach them in areas of entrepreneurship that they can improve more (on).”

“The department also goes back to introduce to them the succeeding programs and activities of the DTI and even other partners (who) can provide them (with) technical assistance,” she said.PNA