The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kalinga awarded livelihood seeding kits to its 240 beneficiaries from the City of Tabuk and the municipality of Tinglayan in Kalinga at the Kalinga Astrodome, Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Tabuk City on 20 April 2022.
The livelihood kit provision initiative is part of the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program of the DTI, which aims to capacitate and replenish existing and future micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by giving them kits containing materials, equipment, and initial stocks to commence and improve their businesses. The PPG specifically assists micro-enterprises affected by fire incidents, other calamities, and health pandemics such as the COVID-19, which has changed many lives across nations.
Highlighting the livelihood seeding programs that form part of the Duterte Legacy to the province of Kalinga, Provincial Director Renie M. Ramos presented the summary of livelihood kits awarded since 2020, totaling to 1050. With the receipt of the kits from the agency, he reminded the beneficiaries to sustain, and if possible, improve their businesses as they are important pillars in improving the job generation and development of the local economy of Kalinga. “These kits are considered to be like seeds, wherein you are accountable for taking good care (of the kits) until it will flourish. You are only given once so we expect that you will give your commitment in scaling up your businesses” said DTI-CAR OIC Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas in her keynote speech. The OIC Trade Director also conveyed her high hopes for the beneficiaries and reminded them to manage their businesses productively especially since the COVID-19 pandemic is still continuously affecting the economy.
Dr. Jaime A. Almora, entrepreneur and guest speaker, discussed the importance of entrepreneurial mind-setting to the beneficiaries. “If you do business, make sure that you have the purpose and commitment. Never try putting up a business if you are not sure about it”, he emphasized.
Dr. Almora shared his steps to success and tips for managing the business successfully. He ended his talk by emphasizing that “passion combined with hard work, dedication, and purpose are the main ingredients of success. Always look for opportunities and make sure that your purpose will benefit the people around you.”
During the said activity, OIC RD Lucas also awarded the Certificate of Recognition and the jute sack printed with IPO Registered Kalinga Coffee collective mark logo to Mr. Olimpo Lumasoc. Mr Lumasoc was the 10th placer in the Robusta Coffee Producer Category of the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) held last month in Davao City.
In his acceptance message, he expressed his gratitude to the agency for the untiring support and guidance during his coffee production journey. He stressed that “I joined the 2021 PCQC and I got lost; I was not discouraged but challenged to continue”.
Visit the DTI Kalinga Provincial Office located at 2/F & 3/F Lua Bldg, Provincial Road, Dagupan West, Tabuk City, Kalinga and learn more about the programs of the DTI. ♦
Date of Release: 26 April 2022