DTI MisOcc pours support to women entrepreneurs

by Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Misamis Occidental holds the Let’s Talk MisOcc virtual media forum, March 29, 2023, to feature the accomplishments and activities of the Women’s Month celebration. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Misamis Occidental highlighted the agency’s initiatives that support women entrepreneurs, as Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person Rea L. Florida acknowledged the important contributions of women in nation-building and economic growth.

"In support of the women's celebration, we hang streamers, we provide business development consultancy to women clients or MSMEs, and purchase and distribute GAD material and t-shirts for all employees of DTI-MisOcc to be worn every Friday of March to promote the women's month celebration," she said.

Aside from those programs, the DTI provided skills and design enhancement training on Romblon bag making, which was participated in by the Indigenous Peoples and indigent, particularly the IP Women organization, and offered business counseling, March 16–17, at the Tribal Hall Gala in Ozamiz City.

"Sa program sa DTI, naa ta'y clients focus program ug apil diri atong mga (in the DTI program, we have a client focus program and included here are) seminars, skills training, product development, business council and even the mentoring, the Kapatid Mentor Me Program," Florida shared.

DTI-MisOcc also empowers and supports businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises.

"Ang (the) entrepreneurship will teach them science and arts of doing business; an opportunity for them for livelihood and contribution to the society in terms of providing products and services and providing job opportunities for themselves and perhaps for their future workers," she added.

According to Florida, women own or run 68 percent of the MSMEs in Misamis Oriental that receive DTI assistance, demonstrating their significant contribution to the province's goal of rapid economic growth and expansion.

DTI MisOcc recognized women champions who shall serve as role models that more people, especially women, can learn from and emulate.

Florida also encouraged the entrepreneurs in MisOcc to visit their offices because they have business counselors who will assist and give advice to their queries regarding their businesses.

As the final activity, on March 31, 2023, all DTI MisOcc employees will take part in the Hataw program.(SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)