CORDILLERA products will have a different look as the Regional Development Council (RDC) gave P1 million from the autonomy fund for the development of small and medium enterprises in the region.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Myrna Pablo said the RDC gave the amount in support of the development of SMEs’ marketing and competitiveness.

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Pablo said the P1 million is currently being used for the following programs: capability building for SMEs, product development, souvenirs program, and for a local designer’s school.

Pablo said there were 17 students who are initially enrolled in the designers’ school.

The designers’ school aims to improve the design of Cordillera products’ packages.

“We’ll no longer be dependent on Manila designers [with the school],” Pablo said.

She added they will have to look for more money from other sources once the RDC grant fund is used up.

DTI-CAR Assistant Regional Director Carmelita Usman said the country’s and the region’s designers are very good but neighboring countries steal their outputs.

She added neighboring countries imitate the designs and sell off their merchandises at lower prices.

RDC representative Carmel Chamag said the RDC is very supportive in the development of the region’s SMEs.

She added if SMEs can compete and can generate more income, more will be employed in the community level. (Visha Calventas)