SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – A total of 40,892 women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ilocos Region received business development assistance through the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Negosyo Centers in 2024, data presented on a Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas episode March 11 showed.
This figure represents approximately 76 percent of the 53,990 MSMEs assisted by the DTI in 2024 through its 85 Negosyo Centers and other capacity-building programs.
Speaking at the forum, DTI Region 1 Acting Regional Director Merlie Membrere underscored the agency’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through mentorship, training and market linkages.
“Through our Negosyo Centers and capacity-building programs, we continue to strengthen the capabilities of women entrepreneurs by providing access to financial assistance, business development tools and wider market opportunities,” Membrere stated.
Mentorship remains a key strategy in supporting entrepreneurs.
Through the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program, DTI has conducted 30 training sessions since 2019, benefiting nearly 1,000 business owners, many of whom are women.
Additionally, DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program has provided 333 MSME groups with essential equipment and technology, generating nearly 700 jobs in the region.
Market expansion is also a priority, with DTI facilitating participation in national trade fairs and retail hubs such as the Tatak Pinoy stores.
The Rimat ti Amianan Trade Fair in December featured 79 Ilocos-based MSMEs, generating P14.21 million in sales.
Women entrepreneurs are also playing a vital role in priority industries, including coffee, cacao and processed food production.
DTI reported these industries created thousands of jobs and attracted millions in investments in 2024.
Membrere also emphasized the importance of consumer protection in ensuring a fair business environment, noting DTI resolved 495 consumer complaints last year.
With sustained support from DTI, women entrepreneurs in Ilocos are expected to drive further economic growth, strengthening local businesses and creating more livelihood opportunities across the region. (CCMT/AIHR, PIA Region 1)
