GET TO KNOW DTI- REGION 7
The Department of Trade and Industry-Central Visayas Regional Office or DTI Region 7 is charged with the promotion of an economic and business environment conducive to the birth and growth of enterprises and supportive of a fair and robust trade of goods and services within the region.
It is a coordinating agency for all government activities that relate to trade, industry, and investments as well as a regulatory body to ensure that fair competition prevails.
The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) implements the department’s consumer protection programs of the department. It educates consumers and implements programs and projects that create a healthy business environment. Its specific concerns include:
- Consumer advocacy and education
- Strengthening consumer organizations/ networks
- Enforcement of fair trade laws and laws on standards
- Monitoring of price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities
- Issuance of regional sales promo permits
The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Division (SDD) provides assistance in the development of local small and medium enterprises by:
- Facilitating access to finance
- Facilitating the establishment of livelihood and income generating projects
- Conducting entrepreneurial trainings, product and market development seminars
- Providing trade fair assistance and information
- The Industry Development Division (IDD) is tasked to implement programs and projects that promote and develop trade by:
- Facilitating the conduct of quality and productivity programs for industrial competitiveness
- Assisting in the annual conduct of the regional competitiveness survey which rank cities and municipalities according to economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resilience.
- Encouraging the development of eCommerce, innovation and creative economy
NEWSSUCCESS STORIES
CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in partnership with Cebu Technological University (CTU) – Argao Campus, officially launched the upgraded Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Handloom Weaving on May 20, 2025, reinforcing efforts to preserve Cebu’s rich handloom weaving tradition while boosting local economic development.
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CEBU CITY – On May 8, 2025, the Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), officially launched the Artificial Intelligence Fabrication Laboratory (AI FabLab), the first of its kind in Central Visayas under the DTI-Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program. This
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Central Visayas, 28 March 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in collaboration with implementation partners The Company and Dual Story, officially launched the eighth cohort of the STARTUPISLAND.PH (SIPH) program, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and beyond. With 16
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CEBU, 21 March 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Cebu (UP Cebu), proudly launched the Tatak Pinoy UP Cebu Materials Innovation Center (TP-UPCMIC), also known as MATIX UP Cebu. This initiative is a significant step in advancing
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CEBU – Around eighteen (18) micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the Rizal Exporters and Manufacturers Association, Inc. (REMAI) embarked on a learning visit and material sourcing for wearables and homestyle in Cebu on February 18-20, 2025. This initiative aimed to enhance product quality, foster innovation, and expand market
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CENTRAL VISAYAS – The Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 (DTI 7) continues to champion gender and development (GAD) through its unwavering support for women entrepreneurs. As part of its celebration for Women’s Month, DTI 7 highlights its impact on women-led businesses in the past two years. As of
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Cebu City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully connected 16 Cebu-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, a leading home improvement retailer, during a business-to-business (B2B) market matching session on February 14. This initiative underscores the DTI's commitment to boosting local businesses by connecting
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Cebu City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with PortCalls, will hold the 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit at the City Sports Club on 27 February. This one-day event, themed “Visayas Trade Logistics: Navigating a Competitive Landscape,” will address key issues facing logistics industry and highlight
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CEBU CITY — Oh My Genie! Crazy Fast (OMG!), a Cebu-based startup redefining delivery systems in the ASEAN region, has been awarded First Prize at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival 2024. The prestigious event, held from November 28 to 30 at Taj Vivanta in Dwarka, New Delhi, showcased the region’s most
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CEBU CITY — DTI Cebu launched the Sinulog Fiesta Fair 2025 on Wednesday, January 15, bringing together key stakeholders to celebrate the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Cebu’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Leading the opening ceremony were DTI-7 Assistant Regional Director Esperanza Transfiguracion L. Melgar, DTI-Cebu OIC Provincial
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BOHOL — Jose Marlou Suyman is not just the founder of a thriving furniture business, Suyman Wood Products in Tayong Occidental, Loay, Bohol, but a pillar of resilience. He mentors his team and acts as strong inspiration to fellow fathers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. In 2008 with nothing more than
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Siquijor – Twenty years ago, the residents of Barangay Catulayan, Timbaon, and Cangmunag were primarily farmers raising livestock. Their lives changed when their area was identified as a Poverty-Free Zone. Recognizing its suitability for cow farming, the National Dairy Authority proposed the formation of a group that would receive dairy
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In 1999, Madonna Elizaga (photo above) stood in her kitchen in Metro Manila, stirring a vision into existence. As a mother, she wanted only the best for her children—a healthier alternative to artificial juices. What began as a personal endeavor soon transformed into a business with a purpose: providing natural
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What happens when a world-class pastry chef returns home to chase a dream? For Grace C. Aquino (photo below), it meant transforming a lifelong passion into a thriving chocolate business that is now making waves in Cebu. Ms. Grace C. Aquino, a Filipina chocolatier and former owner of a pastry
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BOHOL – Nestled in the lush, green landscapes of Calape, Bohol, ATBANG Farm Food Forest stands as a living testament to the power of women in sustainable and ethical farming and entrepreneurship. Grounded in permaculture principles, the farm has carved out a unique space in the Philippine cacao industry, known
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Yvonne Dale Buenconsejo, a 35 year-old devoted mother of three from the emerging town of Dalaguete, Cebu, cherishes the tranquil mornings spent savoring a cup of coffee with her husband. Their ritual of sharing this precious time at 5 a.m., dubbed "babe time," became a cherished relationship goal. One particular
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