The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Batanes headed by Provincial Caretaker, Ms. Marietta B. Salviejo convened with the members and Officers of the Batanes Souvenir Producers and Traders Association (BSPTA) on August 9, 2016 at the HRTC Training Hall Basco, Batanes.

The objective of the meeting is to elect new sets of officers, to identify issues and concerns and to discuss the organization’s representation to the Historico-Cultural Tourism Council. 

The BSPTA sought the assistance of the DTI-Batanes Provincial Office for the facilitation of proper registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) since it was organized the other year.

PC Salviejo said that the Eco-tourism is the booming industry in the province hence, there is a need to expand the market of these MSMEs through partnership with Souvenir Shops, Travel Agencies, and Hotel owners.

PC Salviejo took the opportunity to present the Provincial Trade and Industry Development Plan (PTIDP), Small and Medium Development Plan (SMED Plan), breakthrough goals and priority services of DTI which they can avail to make them more competitive in their businesses. 

Among DTI services discussed were the SSF projects, the SME Roving Academy (SMERA), the market encounter program such as the Provincial Trade Fair, and the consumer protection advocacies.

Established Shared Service Facilities in the Province were also discussed to help MSMEs create more handicraft products that will contribute to the growing Eco-Tourism Industry. 

PC Salviejo assured her full support to the programs and projects of the Association headed by the newly elected President Mr. Ryan Cardona of BISUMI Souvenir Shop.