By Michelle Ducut
The Deparment of Trade and Industry in the Bicol Region (DTI-5) reported that it assisted more than 27,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from January 1 to December 16, 2024.
DTI-5 Regional Director Dindo Nabol presented the agency’s accomplishments during a media appreciation event on Monday, highlighting various forms of support provided to help MSMEs grow and develop. Services included coaching, training, entrepreneurial skill development, and facilitation of financing opportunities.
Nabol noted that the region maintains 91 Negosyo Centers to bring DTI services closer to the public. This year, the centers facilitated the registration of 36,002 business names and 4,409 barangay micro business enterprises.
The regional office also recorded PHP 390 million in total sales through local and international activities, including One Town One Product (OTOP) hub sales, trade fairs, and business missions to Japan, Indonesia, and The Netherlands.
Since the launch of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program in 2013, a total of 228 SSF projects have been established in the region, with 54 currently maintained while others have been transferred to cooperators.
Nabol assured the public that DTI-Bicol remains committed to supporting MSMEs, expanding markets, and protecting consumer interests through monitoring, enforcement, and awareness campaigns to ensure that consumers receive value for their money.