CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- A total of four cooperatives and associations in Pampanga received equipment from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
 
Beneficiaries include the Lambac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Organic Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Organic Producers and Livelihood Association of Mabalacat, and Pink Ladies Multi-Purpose Cooperative. 
 
DTI Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio disclosed that the aid, worth P2.193 million, included equipment for organic fertilizer and fresh and processed meat production.
 
It was funded under the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project.
 
During the turn-over of the equipment, DTI OIC-Regional Director Brigida Pili said that the agency is more than confident that with the cooperators’ experience and the inputs provided through the DTI account managers, the four SSFs will continue to help client micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their production, in improving their products, in maximizing the technology, and lessening the cost so that they can respond to customer demands and become part of the bigger value chain.
 
“I know these SSFs will continue to help you in your businesses and I know that you will continue to maintain and manage these equipment. I am sure there will be challenges but I still believe in your resilience. The pandemic gave us an opportunity to become stronger and I know our MSMEs will continue to thrive after these challenges,” she said. 
 
Pili likewise assured the beneficiaries that after the turnover, DTI will continue to assist and guide them to become better MSMEs through consultation, market matching, and trade fair participation. 
 
To date, Pampanga has 28 SSFs with a total value of P23.34 million. 
 
In Central Luzon, as of April 30, a total of 312 SSFs have been established. Of the total number, 214 have been turned over; while DTI is maintaining 98.  In addition, 100 percent of these SSFs are operational. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)