THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hopes to expand the reach of its livelihood initiatives by embedding business development officers at the barangay level, Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters Wednesday.
In a mobile message to reporters, he said the program will designate business development officers for each barangay. The DTI will train and equip them to help people in their communities better understand and take advantage of the DTI programs.
“It is like having a barangay negosyo clinic so awareness of and access to DTI seminars/training, info on P3 (Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso program) microfinancing, and linkages to nearest Negosyo centers will be facilitated,” the Trade chief added.
The P3 program is the government’s flagship loan program for micro, small and medium enterprises, giving them a more affordable alternative to usurers.
Meanwhile, Negosyo Centers help with business registration and facilitate access to other services.
“We will work out this arrangement with DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government] and the league of barangays,” Mr. Lopez added.
According to the DILG , the country has 42,036 barangays across 16 regions. — Janina C. Lim
