HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES. Residents of Paoay, Ilocos Norte participated in the "Negosyo sa Barangay" launching in Barangay Veronica, Paoay, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019). The program aims to develop people in underserved communities to become successful entrepreneurs. (Photo courtesy of the DTI-Ilocos Norte Facebook Page)
LAOAG CITY -- The launching of the “Negosyo sa Barangay” at the Paoay Civic Center in Veronica village has attracted around 350 budding and would-be entrepreneurs from its different barangays.
“A few days ago, everyone was disquieted, bowing to the roaring floodwaters. But today, they came because they don’t stay down and their hope and faith never cease,” said Provincial Director Rosario Quodala of the Department of Trade and Industry in Ilocos Norte, on Tuesday.
As one of the flagship programs of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Negosyo sa Barangay (NSB) aims to empower underserved communities, and help them become successful entrepreneurs.
The program features a one-stop shop of DTI services for micro, small and medium enterprises, such as assisting them in business registration and how to boost their business skills.
Next to Adams town, Quodala said this is the second NSB that was launched in the province this month.
She added other villages under the fourth, fifth, and sixth income classification municipalities, such as Carasi, Currimao, Bangui and Banna, will follow suit.
By 2022, the DTI is eyeing to develop 200,000 new enterprises in the country to generate more jobs for the people living in underserved communities.
Charito Cariaga, chair of the Nagbacalan Loomweavers Multi-purpose Cooperative, also testified during the launching how the DTI opened more opportunities for their business to thrive and become successful.
For his part, acting Mayor Romulo Acdal Sr. expressed his appreciation to the DTI for bringing its services closer to people.
Meanwhile, Provincial Director Jonathan Viernes, of the Department of Science and Technology presented their various programs and services for the advancement of the MSMEs in the province.
These include product development and labeling, and technical and mechanical assistance, among others. (PNA)
