Secretary Roque continues regional support drive, honors Cordillera MSMEs, industry partners | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque (center) holds a ceremonial presentation board detailing "Shared Service Facilities on Food Processing", flanked by officials and industry partners wearing medals/sashes on stage during the DTI Town Hall Kordilyera recognition event in Baguio City.

Baguio City, Philippines—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque continued the agency’s regional engagement by leading a recognition ceremony for outstanding micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and industry partners in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at a town hall meeting on April 04.

Building on the success of the inaugural town hall in Central Luzon, this second leg event reinforced the DTI’s nationwide initiative to strengthen its regional presence and enhance community access to enterprise support and development programs.

“Today, we are building a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ from the ground up—empowering sari-sari stores, enabling startup growth, and advancing the collective potential of community enterprises. We also proudly recognize industry leaders whose exemplary work and vision align with and contribute to these national objectives,” said Secretary Roque.

“Providing practical support through performance awards, vital equipment, and capacity-building is more than just giving recognition. We are furnishing our citizens with the fundamental means to cultivate larger visions, extend their impact, and achieve shared prosperity,” she added.

As part of this commitment, the DTI transferred ownership of Shared Service Facilities to Northern Roots SG Group Inc. to enhance freeze-drying capabilities in the region.

The DTI also honored eight Baguio and seven Benguet mentees from the Kapatid Mentor ME Program. These entrepreneurs, representing sectors from food and beverage to crafts and events management, successfully completed mentorship and business improvement initiatives.

Moreover, the DTI’s Small Business Corporation recognized loan grantees under its financial assistance programs, such as the RISE-UP Micro Multi-Purpose Loan, RISE-UP First Timer, and the Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing Program. This recognition highlights the impact of these accessible financing programs, which are designed to help MSMEs become more resilient and scale up their businesses.

A group of DTI officials and awardees pose for a photo on stage during the DTI Town Hall Kordilyera recognition ceremony in Baguio City. Several individuals wear medals or sashes, some with Cordilleran patterns, and one woman holds a small trophy or plaque. The DTI official presumed to be Secretary Roque stands fifth from the left, wearing a woven vest/sash.

Under the Philippine Quality Award Regionalization Program, the Baguio City Local Government Unit and the Department of the Interior and Local Government–CAR received recognition for their dedication to embedding excellence in public service delivery.

In line with this ongoing support and recognition, Secretary Roque presented the DTI’s comprehensive five-point strategy: digitalization, access to finance, franchising, product diversification, and mentorship.

The trade chief concluded by highlighting the administration’s belief in the strength of unity to achieve significant progress. This collaborative spirit, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., drives the vision for a nation where businesses are valued, citizens have opportunities for prosperity, and no one is left behind. ♦

Date of Release: 08 April 2025

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