PIA 8 Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas with hosts Reyan Arinto and Celerina Bato of DTI 8.
PIA 8 Regional Head Reyan Arinto hosts the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas with guest Regional Director Celerina Bato of DTI 8

Leyte, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) touted its various programs for small business development and consumer protection during a recent appearance on “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” held on March 11.

Representing the DTI, Region 8 Director Celerina T. Bato served as the guest speaker on the program spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency Region 8. The event, held at the DTI 8 Regional Office, focused on the Department’s recent achievements and upcoming initiatives for the year.

“Maganda ‘to kasi we are bringing closer to the people our programs and services at the Department of Trade and Industry,” says RD Bato.

Through its various programs and services, the DTI empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Region 8, facilitating their growth, success, and expansion into markets beyond Eastern Visayas.

Group photo of DTI's "Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas" event, showcasing enterprise development and consumer protection. Attendees pose in front of a banner.

Flagship programs such as the Kapatid Mentor Me, OTOP Next Gen, Negosyo Center, Business Name Registration, and the Livelihood Seeding Program were of particular interest to the media representatives who attended the Kapihan.

The DTI’s consumer advocacy efforts aim to raise consumer awareness about their rights and responsibilities. The DTI also ensures that consumers get the best value for their money by promoting ethical business practices and conducting regular price and supply monitoring.

Present in the initiative were DTI Region 8 Provincial Directors, along with Assistant Regional Director Ma. Delia Corsiga and Regional Office Division Chiefs for Business Development and Consumer Protection.

Everyone actively shared insights on program implementation and success stories of beneficiaries.

In closing, RD Bato addressed the main clients of DTI—the local MSMEs and consuming public.

“To our local MSMEs, start small, think big. Be updated with the trends of the global economy. For our local consumer, be vigilant and assert your basic consumer rights,” said RD Bato. ♦

Date of release: 14 March 2025

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