MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry-National Capital Regional Office (DTI-NCRO) offers a range of Shared Service Facilities (SSF) specifically designed to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Metro Manila, according to DTI-NCRO Regional Director Winston T. Singun.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum, Singun highlighted several popular SSF locations that provide specialized equipment to small businesses.
“At CITE Marikina, we have a state-of-the-art facility for bags and shoes, since Marikina is known for leather goods,” Singun said. “Small shops and shoe workshops frequently utilize this facility.”
Singun noted other prominent facilities include food processing laboratories with modern equipment at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters at the University of the Philippines, specialized sewing and embroidery machines for women entrepreneurs, and even craft beer production equipment.
“The concept I want to emphasize is that these are facilities MSMEs need but cannot afford on their own,” Singun explained. “We provide them to cooperators — which could be local governments, cooperatives or associations — that operate the facility for users. MSMEs in the area can visit and use the equipment.”
When asked about the application process, Singun said DTI announces calls for proposals annually for those interested in joining the SSF program.
“We assess and screen proposals based on priority and worthiness of the project,” he said. “Once approved, we award the facility with the requirement that it benefits MSMEs. The setup should include identified beneficiaries, but we ensure accessibility to all qualified businesses without requiring enrollment.”
The SSF program aims to improve MSME productivity and competitiveness by providing access to technology and equipment that would otherwise be beyond their financial reach.
For more information, you can email the agency at [email protected]
Or through these numbers:
(JCO/PIA-NCR)
