The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Region extends livelihood programs amid the pandemic, deploying representatives from Metro Manila to the far-flung islands in the province of Palawan on 14 – 18 March 2022. 

The team from DTI MIMAROPA traveled four hours by boat from the tourist hotspot of Coron to reach the 5th class municipality of Linapacan. Getting there means passing through the Linapacan Strait which is home to many local pearl farms, a booming industry in the province. Located between the two more popular tourist destinations (Coron and El Nido), this small town is no stranger to DTI’s programs and projects for small entrepreneurs.

Fifty (50) ­sari-sari store owners were identified as beneficiaries of the livelihood kits under the Livelihood Seeding Program-Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB). 

Despite the rotational blackouts in the island, provision of assistance continued for DTI as they conducted an Entrepreneurial Mind-setting with Basic Financial Recording Seminar for the profiled beneficiaries. For a small but thriving municipality far north of mainland Palawan, DTI’s presence helped spur economic growth in rural communities. 

Next on the list is the 3rd class municipality of Culion, a one-hour boat ride away from the island of Coron. Culion is also home to a promising fisheries, agriculture, and entrepreneurial environment notwithstanding its land size and accessibility from the mainland. During the visit of DTI MIMAROPA, 100 beneficiaries were profiled as beneficiaries of livelihood kits under the abovementioned program. After the profiling, DTI MIMAROPA likewise facilitated an Entrepreneurial Mind-setting with Basic Financial Recording Seminar for the 100 potential beneficiaries. 

Under the Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo Serbisyo Sa Barangay (LSP-NSB), DTI applies a whole government approach of bringing the government’s business development assistance closer to more people. Aside from the provision of livelihood and training kits, LSP-NSB likewise facilitates business registration, business advisory, and business information and advocacy. 

The identified beneficiaries are expected to receive P5,000.00-P8,000.00 worth of livelihood kits essential for the growth of their businesses. 

DTI MIMAROPA’s commitment to MSME development extends beyond office hours. The agency’s representatives conducted a Business-One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) activity for the beneficiaries. Thirty (30) MSMEs were assisted in the application and renewal of Business Name Registration.

The abovementioned initiatives are part of the regular activities of DTI MIMAROPA in line with the 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of the national government and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals to leave no one behind. ♦

Date of Release: 13 April 2022