MAASIN CITY (PIA) – A total of 285 micro-entrepreneurs in Southern Leyte, mostly sari-sari or convenience store owners, got much needed boost for their livelihood from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Under the DTI’s Negosyo sa Barangay (NSB) program, they received business kits containing various grocery items to increase their inventory or to replenish their stocks.
Prior to the distribution, which began on August 15, a series of seminars for potential entrepreneurs and existing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were conducted covering 56 barangays across 14 municipalities in the province.
“Following these sessions, 285 beneficiaries were selected by local government units (LGUs) to receive business kits valued at P8,000 each,” the DTI provincial office said in a press statement.
Felipe Dorias, 47 years old from Brgy. Abgao, Maasin City, who was one of the beneficiaries, said he would see to it that the help he got will not be wasted but be put to good use to improve his store as his way of showing gratefulness and appreciation to the DTI initiative.
“Giingnan mi pag training sa taga DTI nga kini dugang puhunan sa inyong mga sari-sari stores, tabang ni, ug nga kami monitoron, bisan tuod dili na ipauli ang kantidad sa mga butang,” Dorias said.
(We were told by DTI during the training that this is additional capital for your sari-sari store, this is a help, and that we will be monitored, even as the amount of the goods received will not be returned.)
In the municipality of Tomas Oppus, where the distribution of business kits was held on August 20, all the barangays had beneficiaries, according to a social media post of the local government unit through the Negosyo Center.
The DTI is hoping that the provision of these business kits will make a significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries, adding that it is committed to support and foster local entrepreneurship.
“The successful distribution of these 285 business kits marks a significant step toward enhancing local business capabilities and stimulating economic growth in Southern Leyte,” the DTI report further said. (MMP, PIA Southern Leyte, with reports from DTI Southern Leyte)
