Thursday, July 24, 2008 DTI steps up SME development program By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has conducted several seminars, trainings and promotional events this month for the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The DTI cited the training and forum for financing titled "Show Me, Teach Me, SME!" which aims to provide concepts of financial and credit management for ventures with asset size of P3 million to P15 million and workforce of less than 100.
The forum held at the Crown Royale in Balanga City was led by Yay Lasam, DTI provincial director for Bataan, with the assistance of the forum facilitators Nanette Biason of BPI Corporate Banking and Jaenet Benedicto of BPI Family Savings Bank.
DTI Provincial Director for Tarlac Agnes Ramirez led her team for the conduct of strategic planning for the booming okra industry in the province.
The activity aims to provide a venue where the farmers, exporters, local government unit of La Paz, Tarlac and the national agencies can meet to thresh out the issues and concerns of the okra industry.
The DTI provincial office, Ramirez said, is targeting to come up with an action plan for the whole industry in Tarlac.
In line with the One Town One Product (OTOP) annual celebration this year, the Bulacan SMED Council attended the OTOP Luzon Island Fair at SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City on July 11, 2008.
The group likewise visited the National Science and Technology exhibit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
DTI Provincial Director for Bulacan Zorina Aldana said the Bulacan SMED members were able to appreciate the technologies and innovations developed by the Department of Science and Technology (Dost) for various food products and raw materials processing.
And with the Luzon Island Fair, the group met several suppliers of raw materials who could help boost the production of SMEs in Bulacan.
DTI Regional Director Blesila Lantayona earlier said OTOP Philippines is a priority program of the government to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs.
