DTI empowers Caraga MSMEs with modern facilities
By Nora
L. Molde
BUTUAN
CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga continues to
strengthen the region’s economy by empowering and upgrading the businesses of
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its Shared Service
Facilities (SSF) program.
With 13
new SSF projects approved in 2024 amounting to P169.47 million, the MSMEs now
have access to modern equipment and technology that enhanced their productivity
and competitiveness.
The SSF
program played a crucial role in equipping MSMEs with the necessary tools and
shared resources to improve their production processes, increase efficiency and
expand market reach. It supported a wide range of industries, including food
processing, handicrafts, agriculture and manufacturing, ensuring local
enterprises can meet both local and international demand.
DTI
Caraga Director Gay Tidalgo monitored and assessed the SSF projects implemented
in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte,
ensuring these facilities significantly contribute to business growth and
industry development.
“We’ll
make our businesses grow, not just for today, but for the next generation. I
want to see industries thrive and create sustainable opportunities for our
people,” Tidalgo said during the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Butuan
City.
One of
the key industries benefiting from DTI’s initiatives is Caraga’s coconut
industry. As a former COCOFED scholar, Tidalgo took the lead to bring locally
made coconut products, such as virgin coconut oil, coco sugar and desiccated
coconut, to the global stage.
“I owe so
much to the coconut industry, and now it is my mission to help elevate our
coconut products worldwide,” she added while tackling the championing efforts
of DTI Caraga in its collaboration with coconut farmers, processors and
exporters to ensure local coconut-based products meet international standards,
creating greater economic opportunities for the region.
To
further accelerate economic growth in the region, DTI Caraga also invited
investors to explore other business opportunities in the region.
“With its
rich natural resources, skilled workforce and growing infrastructure, Caraga
offers a promising environment for investment,” Tidalgo emphasized.
She also
assured investors of strong government support, business-friendly policies and
a thriving market in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism
and information technology.
“Caraga
is open for business. We encourage investors to explore the vast opportunities
our region has to offer. With the right investments, we can create more jobs,
strengthen local industries and ensure sustainable economic development,” she
said.
For investment inquiries, business assistance or consumer protection concerns, the public is encouraged to visit the nearest DTI office strategically located in all provinces in the region. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)
