MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has spent P1.3 million for machinery and equipment to support three cooperatives engaged in food processing and garments manufacturing in the province of Rizal.
In a statement, the DTI said the Boyet Ynares Ladies Movement with 100 members was granted chest freezers, pressure cooker, food mixer, meat grinder, sausage stuffer, peanut grinder, packaging
sealers, a vacuum packaging machine, a cup sealer, and a desktop computer and printer for labeling to produce processed meat and peanut butter.
The Kababaihang Mangingisda at Maghahalaman ng Talim, a 25-member women’s group, meanwhile, was provided with high-speed sewing machines, an edging and cylindrical machine to boost productivity,
improve quality and sustain production of garments, bedcovers, pillowcases, and draperies.
Also provided with assistance by the DTI was the 131-member Sampaloc Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Tanay,
which received a juice evaporator or crystallizer and a filling or sealing machine to mechanize production of “‘instant salabat.â€
The machinery and equipment were provided by the DTI under its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program.
The SSF program involves providing common service facilities, modern equipment and access to the latest technology to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The program is being undertaken to help MSMEs become competitive.
The program is likewise being implemented to create jobs which would help the country achieve inclusive economic growth.
DTI regional director for Calabarzon
(Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) Marilou Quinco-Toledo said the regional office intends to spend the P80-million SSF allocation this year.
Last year, only 81 percent of the Calabarzon allocation were disbursed and rolled out due to delays caused by the temporary suspension of
grants in view of the issues involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund.
Toledo said it is timely for enterprises to become technical and competitive in the advent of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic integration.
“It is time to level up quality standards for this is what the SSF intends for. Our products must equal, or better, surpass our neighbors. We shall work as one towards one direction for inclusive growth,†she said.