DTI hands over P1.09M worth of SSF to towns

TAGBILARAN CITY, April 18, (PIA) – In the past two weeks, the government, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) handed over to beneficiaries in three towns shared service facilities (SSF) amounting to P1.09 million.

Reports from DTI Bohol bared that Antequera, Panglao and Garcia Hernandez are the latest beneficiaries of the government’s SSF Project which aims to improve the competitiveness of micro small and medium enterprises (MSMES) by providing machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

DTI Bohol officer in Charge Marisol Balistoy explained that the local government of Antequera is the incorporator of the P 610,000 bamboo furniture SSF, which can be used by Sto. Rosario Bamboo Furniture Makers association and any SME who intends to use the facility.

The LGU provided the building and the space for the equipment, while the DTI conducted trainings to members of the association, on finishing techniques to improve the bamboo furniture to cater to high end markets, DTI Bohol said.

During its launching last April 8, 2016, Dti Central Visayas through Regional Director Asteria Caberte who personally came, committed to conduct another training on the use of the equipment.

Antequera Mayor Jose Mario Pahang thanked the government through the DTI, and along with Vice Mayor Vm Leojadz Leo Jadulco and the local legislatives, vowed to help take care of the facility.

That same day, the DTI team handed to Panglao Women’s Association (PWA) a P242, 500 Meat Processing SSF in Barangay Looc.

PWA has been producing bacon, tocino, tapa, longanisa and chorizo to resorts in town, but without the standards for producing such, members believe they can now improve their products through government health certification packed in the SSF.

"The quality of their products are quite good, and there is big demand in the local tourism industry," said DTI director Caberte.

DTI and Panglao LGU works on improving the competitiveness of the products thru constant product development and ensuring that the meat processors get FDA accreditation, Caberte assured the people who gathered for the occasion.

Also in attendance were Isabelito Tongco representing the governor, DTI Bohol director Marisol Balistoy, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero, VM Pedro Fuertes, and members of the PWA.

The following week, in Garcia Hernandez Bohol, DTI again turned over another P242,500 Meat Processing SSF to WESFA, a local organization here.

Launched last April 15, 2016 was the facility with a building constructed by the LGU and after the DTI earlier conducted trainings on food processing.

"The DTI commits for total support in product development and in ensuring that the meat processors get FDA accreditation to be able to get to better markets," assured Caberte during the hand-over.

Mayor Tita Gallentes also assured that just as the trainings were provided, they will continue to be provided by LGU through the Bottom Up Budgeting program. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)