DTI entrepreneurship project goes regionwide
The Department of Trade and Industry in the region will make housewives, farmers, and unemployed become entrepreneurs. The Provincial Offices have started to conduct meetings and scheduled entrepreneurial trainings with the Local Government Units especially the municipalities in the countryside and included these sectors as beneficiaries of project ARISE “A Responsive and Innovative Strategy for Entrepreneurship.” Regional Director Dominic P. Abad said the project aims to create new entrepreneurs, create source of income for the unemployed and improve competencies of existing entrepreneurs.
In Aklan, Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said they have already sent letters to the Governor, Vice Governor, and the Sanguniang Panlalawigan, and are ready to discuss schedules and logistics. They plan to cover the 17 municipalities by end of first semester.
In Antique, Provincial Director Jose M. Divinagracia said they have contacted the OTOP Coordinator of every municipality to act as Liason Officers and will be in-charge of forming a group for the training. They are now finalizing schedules with the Mayors. He said that part of Project ARISE is the Craft Village Development of the municipality of Libertad, wherein 8 barangays, famous for pandan and buri leaves, with almost 100 families will be organized and developed to make project “bayong.” “Bayong”, a native bag made of buri and pandan leaves will be mass produced and promoted as environmental friendly bag to replace plastic bags for shopping. Project “bayong” is supported by the LGU of Libertad, Antique Development Foundation, and the Departments of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The group will connect the project with the “Banigan” festival in March, wherein “banig” or pandan mat will be used as costume of participants, and also with the OTOP Congress in Antique on April.
In Capiz, Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes said they have already conducted orientation meetings with barangay captains. She added that although opportunities are slowing down, people should always look for the un-served need and create something to serve this need. We should always have an eye for bright ideas.
In Guimaras, Officer-in-Charge Ma. Carmen Ituralde said those who are interested to become entrepreneurs and existing entrepreneurs are invited to attend the seminar on the Basics of Entrepreneurship every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the DTI Guimaras Board Room. To date, two graduating students want to venture into polvoron and pottery making.
In Iloilo, Provincial Director Wilhelm Malones has started to call and communicated with the LGUs in the municipalities including the Barangays in Iloilo City through Irene Ong, President of the Association of Barangay Captains in Iloilo City.
In Negros Occidental, Provincial Director Rebecca M. Rascon said this is the right time that we awaken the entrepreneurial skills of people in the countryside. She added that this week, her office will conduct entrepreneurial training to 25 immediate family members of employees of the Bacolod City Water Disrict. On schedule are the faculty and employees of La Consolacion College.
The DTI is bent on pursuing successful implementation of project ARISE in the countryside. Successful implementation will create new enterprises which mean more jobs and income for the family, food on the table and education for our children. For those who are interested, all you need is your interest, time, effort, and strong will to start your own business in this time of economic crisis. Visit the nearest DTI office in your area for more information. (Ruby M. Melliza/DTI-6)