THE Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-Davao) was able to assist a total of 18,240 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) as of September 2019.
“This is equivalent to 87% of the 21,000 Msmes target set by the regional trade department for this year,” said Marie Anne How, chief of DTI-Davao MSME Development Division, in an interview with SunStar Davao Wednesday, October 9.
How said they were able to establish four One Town, One Product (Otop) stores in Davao Region -- the Go Lokal! booth in Abreeza Mall, the Otop Hub at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, and pasalubong store types in Davao del Norte and in Davao del Sur. Otop stores are established for the MSMEs that have undergone the agency’s product development programs.
A total of 36 enterprises are displaying their products in Go Lokal! and the recently launched Otop hub in the airport housed products from 11 enterprises.
From January to September 2019, a total of 24,565 potential and existing clients or people have availed the services of the 51 Negosyo Centers around the region. The services includes entrepreneurship trainings, consultancies, product developments etc.
How said the number of participants for the Go Negosyo Centers are increasing because of their intensified awareness campaigns.
She also bared MSMEs continue to face challenges on the availability of their working capital and raw materials especially for enterprises who export.
How advised that while DTI can refer possible sources of raw materials, the budding MSMEs can connect with industry associations formed by established enterprises and the private sectors.
“They can join those industry associations for business-to-business connections ba for linkaging para kung ikaw baguhan pa ka, you have the right marketing information to get from those people who have already connected with,” How said.
This year, DTI Davao have launched the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, a flagship project that aims to bring their services to the grassroots level.
“Adtoon na sa DTI ang mga farthest municipalities para mag-conduct og mga skills training, and entrepreneurial mindset (DTI will go to the farthest municipalities to conduct skills training and entrepreneurial mindset),” How said.