DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan. 27 (PIA) - A total of 607 beneficiaries received livelihood assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last year as part of the department's commitment for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the national government.

During the virtual discussion at "Talakayan sa PIA" cum radio program over DWCN-FM held Jan. 25, DTI Officer-In-Charge Christie A. Rivera said that more than P5 million was disbursed by the government for the livelihood kits which were given to the beneficiaries.

The livelihood assistance was given free to beneficiaries under the DTI-Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (DTI-PPG), Livelihood-Seeding Program-Negosyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB), Techno-transfer activities for existing Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.

The beneficiaries under DTI-PPG were 15 Former Rebels (FRs), a family of one soldier killed in action and 227 DTI assisted Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Beneficiaries received not more than P10,000 worth of livelihood kit each.

For the LSP-NSB beneficiaries were 253 DTI assisted MSMEs who were affected by the pandemic and typhoons in barangays where the program was already conducted. Beneficiaries received not more than P8,000 livelihood kit each.

The techno-transfer activities for existing MSME were provided to 111 participating MSMEs through training on producing new products and improving the existing one. Beneficiaries received not more than P7,000 worth of livelihood kit each.

The DTI also assisted 453 MSMEs through the creation of facebook page, production of video advertisement and ads boosting for online selling and promotion.

DTI OIC-Provincial Head Provincial Director Christie A. Rivera discusses livelihood and loan assistance especially for those affected by pandemic and recent typhoons, during the virtual discussion at "Talakayan sa PIA" cum radio program over DWCN-FM held Jan. 25 (RBManlangit-PIAV/Camarines Norte)

Another program is the loan facilitation through the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (P3-CARES)

This is being implemented by the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), the financing arm of the DTI in nine (9) Negosyo Centers in the province. Loans are extended not only to DTI-MSMEs assisted customers but also to walk- in clients.

A total of 190 beneficiaries availed of loan with zero interest last year and SB Corp disbursed more than P11.9 million for the program.

Negosyo Centers are located in the municipalities of Basud, Daet, Mercedes, Labo, Jose Panganiban, Sta. Elena, Vinzons, Paracale and at DTI-Provincial Office.

The said program is under Bayanihan 2 wherein beneficiaries can avail loan up to P3 million with 6-8% service fee per annum and zero interest. Application is through online at SB Corp facebook page and still on-going.

The SB Corp is being handled by its Coordinator Sharmaine Perfecto which is also located at the DTI Office in Camarines Norte.

The DTI is also eyeing this year to create a website to promote products of MSMEs in Camarines Norte via online.

PIA Camarines Norte's "Talakayan sa PIA" hosted by ICM Rose Manlangit is aired over DWCN-FM and can also be accessed at PIA Camarines Norte Facebook page. (RBManlangit-PIAV/Camarines Norte)