TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- A total of 16 residents of Sitio Dueg in San Clemente, Tarlac have undergone entrepreneurship and barista skills training.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo said the capacity building activity aims to help locals take advantage of the business potentials brought about by the town’s booming tourism industry.

“With the growing number of tourists visiting the area, this is a chance for the locals to consider entrepreneurship as an alternative source of income,” she stressed.

The municipal government is planning to establish a café at Sitio Dueg to generate more employment and livelihood opportunities.

During the training, Negosyo Center Business Counselor Anthony Corpuz talked about the rewards and risks of entrepreneurship, along with the needed requirements and permits in starting a business. 

The beneficiaries also learned how to operate an espresso machine, and prepare and make coffee drinks such as espresso, americano and latte with the guidance of café owner Antonette Agustin. 

On behalf of the participants, Glory Geronimo extended her gratitude to the government for supporting them to acquire sustainable livelihood skills. 

“I have learned something new that I could use in the future. I thank DTI, the Public Employment Service Office, and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for providing us with new knowledge,” Geronimo stated. 

Prior to this, the agency trained Dueg residents on the techniques of creating bamboo novelty items including keychains and refrigerator magnets. 

DTI Tarlac provides skills training to various sectors in the province to improve the quality of their products, widen their market reach, enhance their skills on business management, and encourage more potential entrepreneurs to venture in the business field. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)