Consumers may now check prevailing prices of basic and prime commodities online

DTI personnel monitors the prices of basic goods and prime commodities in grocery stores.

The DTI Guimaras Provincial Office launched its Online Price Monitoring System (also known as ‘e-Presyo’) on Wednesday that would enable the consuming public to check the prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities. 

Malaysian attaché to speak with Visayas IT-BPM sector

DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. receives a token from Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Trade Commissioner Nyaee Ayup during a meeting at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

Malaysian Trade Commissioner Nyaee Ayup will share the Malaysian Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) Industry to the Visayas Cluster of IT-BPM and other industry players at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, today.

DTI Aklan to launch Negosyo Center, Shared Service Facility

DTI Aklan Provincial Office is set to launch two major projects of the DTI on Nov. 17, 2016 – the Negosyo Center (NC) in Numancia, and the Shared Service Facility for the Production of Handcrafted Fashion Bags and Souvenir Items in Tangalan.

PHOTOS: Launching of Concepcion Negosyo Center

Concepcion Mayor Milliard Villanueva and DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the launching of the Concepcion Negosyo Center on November 15, 2016. Joining them are LMP Iloilo President Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas, DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. and Concepcion municipal officials.

DTI News Updates for October 2016

DTI News Updates for September 2016

BOI, EMB experts give talk during the 1st Agri-Aqua Investment Forum

DTI VI facilitated the conduct of product exhibit during the 1^st Agri-Aqua Investment Forum organized the Panay Organic Producers Association Agriventures, Inc. in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government, DTI, DOT, NEDA, DA and Iloilo Economic Development Foundation  at the Diversion 21 Hotel in Mandurriao District on November 9 to 10, 2016.

The Panay Organic Producers Association (POPA) Agriventures, Inc. has invited key resource persons from the DTI to discuss investment prospects and international markets during the 1^st Agri-Aqua Investment Forum at the Diversion 21 Hotel on November 9-10, 2016.

DTI Iloilo to open another Negosyo Center in Concepcion

The DTI Iloilo Provincial Office is set to open another Negosyo Center in Concepcion, Iloilo on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 in its aim of providing services the government services closer to the people, especially to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

DTI Antique unveils more Negosyo Centers

Valderrama Mayor Atty. Jocelyn L. Posadas (rightmost) leads the unveiling of the Negosyo Center together with (from left) DTI IDD Chief Ken Queenie Cuñada, Valderramma VM Josefino Castillon and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Santiago Lotilla IV.

The DTI Antique Provincial Office has now three Negosyo Centers (NC) to serve its constituents as it opened two additional centers in the municipalities of Valderrama and Tibiao on Friday, October 28, 2016.

Antiqueña wins DTI photo contest

BEST PHOTO. Every consumer has a right to be censorious in buying products and exert their influence through demand. (by Mary Jane Baje, San Pedro National High School, San Jose, Antique/ DTI Snap, Like and Share first place winner)

The photo showing a consumer examining the freshness of the fish while the fish vendor is looking on was adjudged the best photo entry in the recently concluded Snap, Like and Share Photo Contest of DTI VI.

Aklan bags DTI’s 1st reg’l consumer quiz bee

THE CHAMPION. Lyka Dawn Macolbacol of Regional Science High School for Region VI in Kalibo, Aklan holds her Certificate of Recognition as the Champion of the 1st Regional Consumer Welfare Month Quiz Bee.

Regional Science High School for Region VI’s Lyka Dawn Macolbacol and her mother Doris became P7,000 richer for bagging the first place during the 1st Regional Consumer Welfare Month Quiz Bee.

Who will be the 1st student-parent tandem reg’l consumer quiz bee champ?

Five pairs of student-parent contestants from the provincial offices will vie for the 1^st Regional Consumer Welfare Quiz Bee contest that will be held at the DTI Regional Office AVR at 9AM on Friday, October 28, 2016.

DTI, DBP ink MOA for assistance to MSMEs

The DTI VI and the Development Bank of the Philippines recently forged an agreement for the Adopt a Negosyo Center Program in Iloilo aimed at addressing medium and long term needs of MSMEs, enabling them to further grow and achieve their potentials. The Agreement was signed by DTI OIC-regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon and DBP Senior Assistant Vice President Aurora C. Maghirang, and witnessed by DBP Team Head, SME Center-Panay Liezel Q. Delgado and DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr.

‘Panublion’ hits P7.5M sales

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez checks the products from the different provinces in Western Visayas at the ‘Panublion’ Regional Trade Fair at SM City Iloilo on October 12. The exhibit showcased the merchandise of DTI-assisted MSMEs in the region.

The ‘Panublion’ Regional Trade Fair 2016 almost tripled its sales compared in 2015.

DTI VI opens Innovation Center

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the launching of the Innovation Center together with the MSMEs and other DTI key officials in the region.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in need of marketing assistance, financial servicing and technology innovation to enhance their business competitiveness could now seek the services offered by DTI VI’s Innovation Center.

NKATBP launching

MSMEs, DTI partners gather for NKATBP

All roads lead to this city on Monday as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) VI launch the “Negosyo Konsyumer, Atbp.” (NKATBP) here with over 500 participants from all over Western Visayas gathering at the Iloilo Convention Center from October 10 to 12, 2016.

NCs assisting OFWs in doing business

Mr. Roger Padojinog from Simsiman, Calinog, Iloilo seeks assistance on his business plan preparation at the OFW Desk at the DTI Iloilo Provincial Office.

The DTI VI is urging returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or their family to visit Negsoyo Centers (NCs) and attend entrepreneurship seminars to open their minds on the opportunities that abound in their areas.

NKATBP launching set on Oct 10

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, along with other key officials of the DTI, is expected to lead the launching of the “Negosyo, Konsyumer at Iba Pa” (NKATBP) in Western Visayas at the Iloilo Convention Center on October 10-12, 2016.

DTI News Updates for August 2016

DTI launches ‘Mentor Me' Program

The DTI VI will kick off its "Mentor Me” Program, a free negosyo (business) seminar consisting of a series of mentoring sessions for existing and budding entrepreneurs, on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

Hacienda Crafts: from farming to crafting

Christina Gaston of Hacienda Crafts Company

What was supposed to be a livelihood program intended to simply provide additional income to the community of farm workers turned out to be a global business venture for Christina Gaston’s Hacienda Crafts Company in Manapla, Negros Occidental.

PHOTO: DTI VI shares programs to municipal mayors in the region

DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon shares the various programs and projects of the Department such as making Negosyo Center’s services available to Overseas Filipino Workers to the municipal mayors in the region during the basic orientation for new and re-elected local chief executives initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on September 2, 2016.

Beware of text scams, public told

The DTI VI is again reminding the public against fraud perpetrated through text messages with the coming of “ber” months. Mobile phone owners would receive text messages informing them of having won raffle prizes worth millions of pesos, but these are just mere hoaxes. 

Weaving with hope, creating brighter future

Inhabitants in the hinterland communities are most often uncared for. The educational status of the people is quite low. And, the residents are used on slash and burn culture as there is no economic activity for them, other than employing as sugar workers.

McNester: Pulsing and still growing

McNester products vary from dried mangoes to ready to drink juices and other processed foods, among others. 

Rebecca C. Tubongbanua is not new in developing calamansi and mango-based products. She used to work as production manager of the then Guimaras Bottlers, Inc. responsible for creating new products for the market. However, she left the job due to the company’s financial woes. 

DTI to hold forum on accelerating ProGED

To highlight the gains of the Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) Project before it finally culminates in December 2016, the DTI VI will hold a two-day forum to be attended by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

PHOTO: SSF Stakeholders Forum 2016

DTI Officials and Shared Service Facility cooperators and beneficiaries give a thumbs up sign during the SSF Stakeholders Forum at the Sarabia Manor Hotel on August 26, 2016. The activity was aimed to assess the status, gaps/ bottlenecks, and identify areas for cooperation and complementation between and among the stakeholders for the sustainability of the program. It was participated by 64 cooperators and beneficiaries from all over Region VI.

A mini exhibit welcomes participants during the forum highlighting the various products of the SSF from food processing, bamboo engineering and garments, among others.

DTI News Updates for July 2016

DTI sends two delegates to Thailand OTOP Fair

Photo courtesy of Jaf Fernandez’s FB page

Marjorie Segurigan (left) Juler A. Fernandez (right) at the Thailand OTOP Fair with an official from the Thailand Community Development Department which spearheads the nine-day exhibit.

The DTI VI sent two DTI-assisted enterprises in Thailand to join more than 2,800 producers from other parts of the globe in the Thailand OTOP Fair (OTOP Silapacheep 2016) in Bangkok, Thailand, which runs from August 12 to 20, 2016. 

PHOTO: Launching of Miag-ao Negosyo Center

Miag-ao Mayor Macario Napulan and DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon cut the ribbon for the opening of the 16^th Negosyo Center in Western Visayas, to include Negros Occidental in Negros Island Region. The Miag-ao Negosyo Center, which was launched on August 2, 2016, is the fourth for the Province of Iloilo.

DTI Iloilo STIDS Esterlita Baddong, Mayor Napulan, Director Rascon and DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. The Negosyo Center is among the programs of the DTI for MSME development through services and eventually opening doors for them to the mainstream market, assisting them to widen their reach.

Demand exact change, consumers told

The DTI reminds commercial establishments to give enough change to its customers. In buying goods, the customers pay the exact amount but they usually get insufficient change, especially if it involves five, 10, 15 or 20 centavos or even one-peso. 

DTI unveils loom weaving facility project at ASU

Aklan State University President Dr. Danilo Abayon, DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca and DTI Aklan OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Iturralde unveil the loom weaving facility project.

The DTI Aklan Provincial Office recently launched a new shared service facility for piña-abaca weavers at the Aklan State University (ASU), as its project cooperator. The facility received handlooms and high-speed sewing machines for its weaver-beneficiaries in Banga and Balete.

DTI orients LGUs, suppliers on fair trade laws

Trade Development Division Chief Felisa Judith Degala gives an overview of various consumer protection laws to bids and awards committee members, supply officers, and business construction suppliers in the Province of Guimaras.

“Are we getting the right supplies? The right bidder?”

These are the questions posed by DTI VI Trade Development Division Chief Felisa Judith Degala to the members of the bids and awards committee (BAC), supply officers and business construction suppliers in the Province of Guimaras on Thursday, July 21, 2016.

PHOTO: RD Rascon orients Iloilo LEIPOs on ProGED

DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon shares the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by helping them adopt climate-smart and environmental friendly strategies by using the value chain approach, through the Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) to the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officers (LEIPOs) in the Province of Iloilo. Rascon was a speaker during the Investment Promotion Strategies Training initiated by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Center of the Iloilo Provincial Government on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The training aims to highlight the critical role of LEIPOs in facilitating the establishment of an aggressive, systematic, coordinated, sustained promotion and marketing of the local government units as investment location. Likewise, to increase the appreciation and knowledge of local chief executives on the importance of deliberate investment promotion, generation facilitation and servicing; to develop the desire to build-up the capacity of the locality to become competitive and attractive for investment; and, to develop a harmonized investment promotion strategy for the Province of Iloilo, among others.

DTI VI has now 15 Negosyo Centers to serve MSMEs

DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya (left) visits the Negosyo Center at the DTI Iloilo Provincial Office on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, with DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon, STIDS Nona Grace Bermejo, STIDS Dorita Chavez and TIDS Kurt Maurice Tugaff.

Geared towards reaching and assisting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the archipelago through its Negosyo Centers (NCs), the Department of Trade and Industry VI has now established a total of 15 NCs.

DTI opens food processing facility in Barbaza

DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon and Antique Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Errol Santillan, representing Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Sangguniang Bayan Member Roberto Grajo, Department of Science and Technology Provincial Director Engr. Abraham Fabila, Marigold G. Gelito of the Department of Agrarian reform and members of the Esparar Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The facility already produces squash noodles, squash powder, turmeric powder, malunggay powder, squash granules, and squash polvoron, among others.

DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon led the blessing and inauguration of the Shared Service Facility for Food Processing in Brgy. Esparar in Barbaza, Antique on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.

Iloilo MSME Expo ‘16 kicks off July 18

Various food processors, health and wellness operators, producers of wearables and homestyle, and fresh fruits and vegetables traders are up to showcase their products and services during the weeklong Iloilo MSMEs Expo 2016 on July 18 to 24, 2016.

Guimaras products display at Rockwell

Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) from the Province of Guimaras is set to rock Rockwell Power Plant Mall, this weekend. Locally made gifts, decors, housewares and accessories, and various processed food products will be the highlight of the three-day exhibit dubbed “Guimaras Eco Bazaar @ Rockwell” starting this Friday.

DTI News Updates for June 2016

DTI VI allots P10M for SSF in ‘16

The DTI VI is eyeing to establish additional shared service facilities (SSF) projects in the region, including Negros Occidental, this year. It has allotted P9.8-million budget for the establishment of 13 SSFs. 

PCCI Aklan backs Negosyo Centers in Ibajay and Altavas

Aguirre

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) - Aklan Chapter has committed to support the newly-launched Negosyo Centers (NC) in the municipalities of Ibajay and Altavas in the province of Aklan. 

PHOTO: Negosyo Center - Ibajay

DTI Aklan OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Itturalde (right) and Ibajay Mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores (left) unveil the Negosyo Center in Ibajay, Aklan on Monday, June 27, 2016. Incoming Ibajay Mayor Joen Miraflores (second from left) and local businessmen from the province also came to witness the activity.

PHOTO: Negosyo Center - Altavas

Altavas Mayor Denny D. Refol and DTI Aklan OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Itturalde lead the launching of the Negosyo Center in Altavas on Tuesday, June 28, 2106. The Negosyo Center is located at the middle of the public market, the first in the region.

DTI News Updates for May 2016

DTI News Updates for April 2016

PHOTO: Coco Coir Value Chain Workshop

DTI Capiz Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes (seated, 5^th from left) and DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. (seated, 4^th from left) join the participants during the Coco Coir Value Chain Workshop at Days Hotel on June 7 to 8, 2016.

PHOTO: 'Coffee 101'

DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon (seated, 5^th from left) join the participants from the provinces of Antique, Capiz and Iloilo during the conduct of an Appreciation Course on Coffee and Basic Coffee Preparation and Business Operations dubbed as ‘Coffee 101’ on June 1 to 2, 2016.

Manggahan Trade Fair ’16 nets over Php10M

The Manggahan Trade Fair 2016 generated Php10.4 Million in total sales, according to the DTI Guimaras Provincial Office. 

3-day discounted school supplies sale at the Capitol

The DTI Iloilo Provincial Office and the Philippine Retailer’s Association (PRA) – Iloilo Chapter in coordination with the Iloilo Provincial Government will conduct a Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Sale at the covered walkway of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol starting Wednesday. 

DTI holds ‘Coffee 101’

The DTI VI will conduct a three-day appreciation course on coffee and basic coffee preparation and business operations to entrepreneurs in the coffee industry at the Iloilo Grand Hotel from June 1 to 3, 2016. 

DTI employees undergo small business counselling course

The DTI-Human Resource and Administrative Services (DTI-HRAS) in partnership with the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP-ISSI) conducted a Small Business Counselors’ Course (SBCC) on May 23 to 27, 2016.

PHOTO: 2016 Manggahan Trade Fair

Guimaras Gov. Samuel T. Gumarin leads the releasing of doves during the opening of the 2016 Manggahan Trade Fair at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Grounds on Wednesday, 11 May 2016. The trade fair is spearheaded by the DTI and the Guimaras Provincial Government.

Consumers may soon check prevailing prices of goods online – DTI VI

DTI employees monitor the prices of basic commodities in malls here and encoding the same at the online price monitoring system. The program, which is still on test mode, aims to provide the general public online access on the prevailing prices in the market.

Geared on providing consumers accurate and quick access on prevailing markets prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would soon introduce its online price monitoring system (OPMS) to the general public. 

PHOTO: Opening of the Capiztahan Trade Fair 2016

Governor Victor A. Tanco, Sr. and DTI Capiz Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes formally opens the UnliKultura Expo 2016 and Capiztahan Trade Fair on 14 April 2016 at the Capiz Provincial Park. With them are (from left) Board Members Eduardo Magallanes and Emmanuel Billones, Jr., DTI VI Industry Development OIC/Division Chief Ma. Dinda Tamayo and Roxas City Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Leny Albert Apaitan. There were 48 exhibitors who participated in the Fair which generated a total gross sales of P539,982.25.

Capiz Negosyo Center bats for partnership and alliances

The DTI Capiz Provincial Office intends to pursue active partnership with existing organizations and priority industry cluster groups which are into the promotion and development of micro and small enterprises in order to be able to reach out to as many business start-ups as possible and help them advance to the next enterprise development ladder, through the Capiz Negosyo Center. 

PHOTO: DTI VI accredited by CSC with PRIME-HRM Level II

DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon and HRMO Judith G. Kelly receive the Certificate of Recognition from Civil Service Commission VI Regional Director Rodolfo B. Encajonado and Asst. Regional Director Raymund F. Gonzales. The CSC has accredited DTI VI with PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II for three core human resource systems, namely: recruitment, selection, and placement; performance management system; and, rewards and recognition. The awarding was held at the CSC VI Regional Office on Monday, April 18, 2016.

Buy quality products, look for the warranty – DTI VI

Be wary in buying your merchandise.

“The best way to get value for money is buying quality products. One should not only look for the price tag, but also the quality of the product you are buying,” advised DTI VI Trade Development Division Chief Felisa Judith Degala. 

Women entrepreneurs undergo orientation on GREAT Women Project II

The participants during the two-day orientation workshop.

As part of the initial activities in the implementation of the Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project II, the DTI VI conducted a two-day roll-out of the Greening the Gender Responsive Value Chain Analysis (GGRVCA).

CSC VI to accredit DTI VI with PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II

DTI Regional Office VI

The DTI VI will be conferred with a certificate of recognition by the Civil Service Commission for achieving Maturity Level II in Performance Management System under the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).

PHOTO: Board of Investments guv visits DTI VI

COURTESY CALL. Board of Investments Governor Oliver B. Butalid meets with DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon at the DTI VI Regional Office. The BOI held its board meeting at the Seda Hotel in Mandurriao District on Thursday, March 31, 2016.

Capiz entrepreneurs all set for Capiztahan Trade Fair 2016

Local producers and manufacturers engaged in food processing, decorative crafts and ornamental plants sectors are now all set to showcase their products and other commodities during the Capiztahan Trade Fair 2016.

DTI VI: A smoke-free agency

NO SMOKING. DTI Regional Office VI and DTI Iloilo Provincial Office observes a 100% Smoke-Free Environment Policy in line with the Civil Service Commission VI – Regional Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2016 dated February 9, 2016.