Tubigon loomweavers coop gets DTI support

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended full support to the Tubigon Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TLMPC), saying the department will provide more competitiveness support for the group while members are still recovering from the effects of the October 15 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

DTI secretary Gregory Domingo visited Bohol recently to grace the Diskwento Caravan, as well as to check the DTI-led livelihood projects in Bohol, such as the Shared Service Facility (SSF) provided for the members of  TLMPC.

According to Domingo, the TubigonLoomweaving facility is one of DTI's priority projects under the SSF program and is one of the big facilities assisted by the department.

The project is a recipient of a P3-million DTI SSF funds that are used to purchase 15 units upright handlooms, accessories and laboratory equipment. This is part of DTI's support to help improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

During his visit, Domingo expressed his full commitment to provide support to the said project, citing once again DTI's goal of improving the competitiveness of MSMEs.

Domingo was very pleased to note that TLMPC is now a supplier of  high-end quality raffia fabrics to big companies in Europe.  This is made possible in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), INTERLACE, a Cebu-based European exporter of high-end quality fabrics and the local government unit of Tubigon.

TLMPC is also a beneficiary of a P3-million grant from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) which is being used to construct a building that houses the SSF facilities and equipment provided by DTI.

Meanwhile, DTI through the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP) has invited manufacturers and retailers of basic necessities and prime commodities to join the ongoing Diskwento Caravan in Bohol, to perk up the economy.

Products to being offered at  the caravan include canned goods, laundry soaps, bath soaps, shampoos, coffee, creamers, milk, noodles, rice, biscuits, eggs, dressed chicken and cleansing agents.

The Alturas Group of Companies, Bohol Quality Corporation and AH Shoppers' Mart are some of the participating retailers while the National Food Authority (NFA) will be there to sell NFA rice to consumers.

"It is important for the DTI to conduct Diskwento Caravan in Bohol in view of the calamity that hit the province. The Department ensures that their local consumers will have access to essential goods in the midst of the crisis they are facing," said DTI consumer welfare and business regulation group (CWBRG) officer-in-charge and BTRCP director Victorio A. Dimagiba.

 "Local suppliers in Region VII are very supportive of DTI's initiatives. They assured us that they will join in the conduct of Diskwento Caravan in Bohol," said DTI-7 regional director Caberte.

The Diskwento Caravan is a project of the DTI where basic necessities and prime commodities are sold at discounted prices. The project upholds the right of consumers, especially those belonging in marginalized communities, to have access to basic goods. /JMD (FREEMAN)