DTI Holds Consultancy Seminar On Micro Enterprises

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Micro enterprises or Small and Medium industries are considered the backbone of Philippine economy since they comprise more than 90 percent of all business activities. However dominant as they may seem to be overall contribution to total economic output is less than one-third (1/3). Hence, their impact is hardly felt. Data show that majority employs 10 workers on the average family-owned, low product niche due to inadequate knowledge on packing, labeling marketing strategy and saddled with financial difficulties. The latter is partly solved with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Armando Tetangco, Jr’s. announce-ment that 200 banks in the country are now granting loans to micro enterprises. The total loans had reached P7.3 billion up from P6 billion in December, 2011.

This issue and concern become the rallying point of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (MSMED) to strengthen growth and productivity of local enterprises. The program of Enhanced DTI Caravan held at Ati-atihan Festival Hostel and Conference Center on July 18-21, 2012 was highly successful. The highlights of the affair follow: 

First Day – opening program with Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. Prov’l Director, DTI; message by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez; Annual Accomplishment Report MSMED by Ms. Rose F. Nepomuceno, Pres. Hugod Aklanon Producers Assn. Inc.; Status of Market Potentials of Aklan Indigenous Fibers and Crafts in Japan by Ms. Rhodora D. Sulangi; De la Cruz House of Piña, Awarding of Pioneer MSME’s to Ms. Susima M. De la Cruz; Development of the Piña Loomweaving Industry and Ms. Josefina I. De la Cruz, 1st Aklan Exporter of Abaca & Raffia Placemats; and One-on-One Consultation with MSME members with Aklan PMSMED Council. 

Second Day – Seminar on Effective Trade Center/SME Showroom Management followed by Visual Merchandising by Mr. James Non, Faculty De la Salle College of St. Benilde School of Design & Arts, Industrial Design Specialist.

Third Day – Consultation on Food Packaging and Labeling with Ms. Ann Veronica Solano, Chairperson, Professional Dev’t. Committee, Packaging Institute of the Philippines; Skills Demonstration on Advanced Beadworks by Ms. Chona Gomez Lachica, Resource Person CITC; and Seminar on Wealth Management by Ms. Zorayda Avinante Rosanes, Sr. Marketing Diretor, International Marketing Group Wealth Academy.

A total of 60 participants including food processors, textile manufacturers, wood, bamboo, and nitto-craftsmen and members of academe and LGU representatives attended the seminar workshop. /MP