TAGUIG CITY – The National Anti-Poverty Commission – Workers in the Informal Sector Council (NAPC-WISC) recently engaged with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to learn more about the agency’s ongoing programs and projects aimed at uplifting informal workers across the country. The presentation was delivered by Ronnel Ruanes from DTI’s Resource Generation and Management Service during the 3rd Quarter WISC meeting held in Taguig from September 1 to 5.
Ruanes highlighted DTI’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) programs, designed to cultivate globally competitive MSMEs and position them as key drivers of inclusive economic growth in the Philippines. These programs are organized into five clusters: Business Climate, Access to Finance, Management and Labor Capacities, Access to Technology and Innovation, and Access to Markets.
To improve the business climate, DTI introduced initiatives like the Negosyo Center, Online Portal, Business Name Registration System, and the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise program. These efforts are intended to streamline processes and encourage the formalization of businesses.
For financial access, DTI, through its Small Business Corporation, offers microfinancing opportunities to MSMEs via the “Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso” (P3) Program and the “Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Enterprises, Unleash Your Powers” (RISE UP) Program. These initiatives aim to sustain the progress of MSMEs, particularly those that have weathered crises over the past two years, by providing loans with favorable terms.
To enhance management skills and labor capacities, DTI provides programs such as the Mentor Me Program, the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, and “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa,” which supports livelihood development for calamity and fire victims. The Philippine Trade Training Center, DTI’s Global MSME Academy, also offers crucial training to help MSMEs meet global industry standards.
In the technology and innovation cluster, DTI launched the Shared Service Facilities Project, allowing MSMEs access to advanced technology to boost productivity and efficiency. The Fab Lab, a digital laboratory, is dedicated to helping grassroots communities transform design ideas into tangible products using cutting-edge technology.
For better market access, DTI implemented the “One Town, One Product” program, which stimulates local economic growth by promoting products and services rooted in local culture, community resources, and creativity. Additionally, DTI developed the “Go Lokal” market access platform to integrate MSMEs into the mainstream market, offering merchandise development support and retail opportunities through partner stores.
These five program clusters form the strategic foundation of DTI’s MSME Development Plan, which focuses on facilitating the growth and advancement of MSMEs while encouraging informal workers to transition into becoming Filipino entrepreneurs.