The Dept. Of Trade and Industry 8 together with Dept. Of Labor and Employment 8 conducted the Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK) Caravan at the Tacloban Convention Center last June 12, 2017. The activity was held together with the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day and the Tacloban City Charter Day.

TNK was birthed in support of the Philippines’ “Ambisyo Natin 2040” goal for “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag ng Buhay.” This caravan is held individually or simultaneously by a city/municipality per region.

For job opportunities to increase, TNK aims to establish new or expand existing businesses by providing information and counseling on business opportunities; technical, marketing and financing assistance; entrepreneurship and business development trainings to existing and potential entrepreneurs.

The program was graced by the presence of DOLE RD Joel Gonzales, DTI RD Cynthia Nierras, representatives from LGU Tacloban and the Office of Cong. Yedda Romualdez, and partner NGOs- Plan Intl. and Save the Children.

A signing of the Memorandum of Agreement has been made between the two departments in bringing their services to the public through the TNK Caravan. This has strengthened the partnership and is perceived to bring more programs that would support the pressing need for jobs and income.

“Baka di lang toh mangyari ng dalawang beses sa isang taon, we might conduct more TNKs,” said RD Cynthia Nierras as she delivered her uplifting message.

The first caravan was held last May 1 in celebration of the Labor Day. About 8,500 local and foreign job opportunities awaited prospect applicants while DTI continued to entertain client inquiries and counseling. There were a number of applicants who were hired on the spot as well as a number that were scheduled for an interview with the participating companies.

TNK is both a job and business fair. Simultaneous with the job fair, the Department conducted seminars on Marketing on the first day which was attended by 120 established and potential MSMEs at the Community Center. On the second day, a Business Start Up and Franchising Seminar is being held with 135 participants.

The Department looks forward to the impact that TNK will bring to the city and the region.