The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Office, in collaboration with the Small Business Corporation (SBC) Northern Luzon Group, conducted a financing forum on June 6, 2016 at the Highlander Hotel, Solano.
In attendance were fifty-nine (59) SMEs from various industry sectors namely: food processing, handicrafts, construction, and agriculture.
The forum provides access by SMEs to financing initiatives in support of the MSME Development Plan.
Mr. Julius A. Cruz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) III of the Northern Luzon Group oriented the participants on the three (3) major loan facilities of the SBC namely: (1) Structured Financing Program for the improvement of business facilities through fixed asset and expand business operations through working capital; (2) Pocket Farmers Lending Program for farm development of high value crops; and (3) Public Transport Lending Program for the procurement of vehicle either for franchise or for transportation of goods.
Other loans offered by the SBC include Patent Licensing, Food and Drug Authority (FDA) Licensing, Halal and Kosher Certification and Trade Fair Participation. Meanwhile, Ms. Cynthia B. Tarroja, area head of SBC Northern Luzon facilitated the one-on-one consultancy with the SMEs. Ms. Tarroja explained that unlike other financial institutions, the loan programs of the SBC are flexible in terms of payment and availment of multiple loans is permitted.
She was assisted by Ms. Marjorie Mostoles, the Desk Officer of SBC in Isabela and Ms. Clarisse Mae F. Ramos, Administrative Officer of SBC in Baguio City.
At the end of the forum, about twenty-five (25) SMEs expressed their interest in availing the various loan programs of the SBC.
Some of these SMEs were Shared Service Facility (SSF) beneficiaries, Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), construction companies, and private business owners.