Legazpi, Albay—At the sidelines of the REBOUND: The Bicol Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Summit held on 21 October 2022, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual spearheaded the awarding of P2.3-M worth of assistance to Putsan Ceramics Manufacturers Association, Inc. (PCMAI) through the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office in Albay.
“When given timely and appropriate support, MSMEs can contribute to government efforts to steer our country toward an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery”, Secretary Pascual said.
The P2.3M budget allocation shall cover the equipment outlay and other expenditure items for the ceramics project of the Philippines Ceramics Arts and Craft Center (PhilCeramics) in Tiwi, Albay. Funded by DTI since 1994, PhilCeramics is an initiative of Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman. It started its operations in 1997 as a ceramic production center, crafting decorative ceramics made of terra cotta with employed glazing technology.
Further, DTI, through its science, technology, and innovation (STI)-led industrialization strategy, aims to pursue regional industrial development as the country recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy will help lead MSMEs, the backbone of the Philippine economy, to greater productivity and industrial transformation.
In closing, the Trade Chief emphasized that MSMEs were able to survive despite the challenges they faced during the pandemic. In fact, some even thrived and found new opportunities in the midst of it. This was made possible by the strategies employed by the Philippine government that steered the economy back to its high-growth path. He also expressed DTI’s commitment to continue supporting MSMEs.
“DTI is committed to help MSMEs, as they greatly impact the lives of Filipino families. With consistent efforts, this would uplift our economy to greater heights”, Secretary Pascual added.
The MSME Summit was also attended by Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Trade Promotions Group Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda, Regional Director Rodrigo Aguilar, and executives from both public and private sectors ♦
Date of Release: 24 October 2022