KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in SOCCSKSARGEN reported notable achievements in key economic sectors in 2024, resulting in higher sales, increased employment, and enhanced business resilience across the region.
“DTI Region 12’s proactive policies and strategic programs [have] led to record-breaking investments, thriving priority industries, expanded market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and stronger consumer protection,” Flora Politud-Gabunales, DTI regional director, said, attributing the achievements to DTI’s successful implementation of policies and programs.
Industry growth, competitiveness
Gabunales reported that last year, DTI Region 12 developed 26 industry roadmaps and policies that support the region’s key sectors, including bamboo, cacao, coconut, coffee, creative industries, processed fruits and nuts, and wearable and homestyle products.
These roadmaps, she explained, are part of a broader strategy to integrate manufacturing, agriculture, and services, addressing supply chain gaps and promoting deeper participation in global value chains.
“These roadmaps guide the strategic growth of priority industries, ensuring long-term sustainability,” she pointed out.
In support of the initiatives, DTI has conducted more than 44 capacity-building activities, including localization, conferences, workshops, consultative sessions, and skill-building programs to enhance industry competitiveness.
“DTI is focused on fostering technology adoption and value chain development. The agency provided technical support and funding assistance to key sectors, ensuring that businesses could effectively compete in both local and global markets,” she elaborated.
The official reported that 680 DTI-assisted cacao-based MSMEs earned P33.77 million in domestic sales and generated 842 jobs while 51 coconut-based enterprises generated P19.60 million in sales and contributed 438 new jobs.
SOCCSKSARGEN, the leading coffee producer in the country, recorded P45.79 million in sales, with 1,064 assisted MSMEs contributing to the creation of 1,330 new employment slots.
The fruits and nuts sector, which has 1,060 supported MSMEs, continues to be a leading sector in the region, achieving domestic sales of P79.72 million and generating 2,104 new jobs.
Meanwhile, traditional textiles and home décor products generated P31.23 million in domestic sales involving 570 MSMEs and resulted in the creation of 384 jobs.
The creative industry, an emerging sector in the region, generated P1.15 million; additionally, DTI 12 assisted 265 artists, designers, and content creators in 2024.
DTI 12 also surpassed its annual targets in the specified industries by 12–114 percent.
MSME empowerment
Gabunales also reported that in 2024, the agency assisted more than 38,000 clients through Negosyo Centers, Shared Service Facilities (SSF), and One Town, One Product (OTOP). Of these clients, 73% were micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Gabunales also reported that in 2024, the agency assisted over 38,000 clients through Negosyo Centers, shared service facilities, and One Town, One Product (OTOP). Of these clients, 73% were MSMEs.
DTI stated that all LGUs in SOCCSKSARGEN have established their respective Negosyo Centers, where MSMEs and startups receive guidance on business registration, advisory services, and training, among other support.
Last year, 972 MSMEs across Region 12 benefited from DTI’s SSF projects, which provided the beneficiaries with advanced equipment and technology to enhance productivity.
Through the OTOP Program, DTI also supported 559 MSMEs by linking businesses to digital and physical marketplaces and by facilitating trade fairs.
Two major trade fairs, specifically Treasures of Region 12: Blends and Treasures of Region 12 Trade Expo, generated a total of P70.01 million in sales for the participating MSMEs.
Investment and export promotion
DTI also played a key role in boosting exports and investments in Region 12, Gabunales pointed out.
In 2024, the office assisted 147 exporters and 249 investors in accessing international markets and securing investment opportunities.
“These initiatives connected local businesses with international partners, facilitating increased market access and investment inflows,” she added.
Furthermore, DTI’s participation in multiple regional, national, and international trade fairs generated over P99 million in domestic and export sales and opened new market opportunities for local MSMEs.
Infrastructure development
Gabunales also reported that DTI Region 12, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways, implemented 31 ROLL-IT road projects, amounting to P1.505 billion, last year.
The ROLL-IT, or Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade, program aims to develop road infrastructure that enhances connectivity and supports industries and economic zones, thereby improving trade, logistics, and the overall ease of doing business.
Consumer protection
Gabunales further emphasized that the DTI in the region is actively strengthening the comprehensive implementation of consumer rights initiatives, price monitoring activities, and fair-trade laws to ensure a just and transparent marketplace.
“DTI Region 12 remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering enterprises, strengthening industries, and safeguarding consumer rights. With the guiding principle of Serbisyong Higit pa sa Maaasahan (Service Beyond Expectation), the agency has made significant strides in fostering a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive economic landscape for SOCCSKSARGEN,” she emphasized.
SOCCSKSARGEN consists of the provinces of Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, along with the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Kidapawan. (DED, PIA Region 12)
