Go Lokal! , Buy Bisaya – a platform for world class Visayan made products

 Since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, many local retailers have halted operation, more than a few businesses have suffered financially and several workers have been laid off.

This health crisis has caused tremendous negative impact not just on the well being of the local communities but also on the economy.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), being one among the many government agencies working to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on the country, provides support services and an enabling environment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be able to grow and become sustainable and competitive in the national and global markets.

Even before the pandemic, the DTI, through its Go Lokal program, has been assisting MSMEs through various initiatives.

EXPORT QUALITY LOCAL PRODUCTS

Go Lokal program was introduced by the DTI in 2017. It  is a retail concept store showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products that are crafted, designed, and produced by the country’s MSMEs. DTI makes this possible with the collaboration of select retail partners for brand management and market acceleration.

DTI’s Go Lokal program gives MSMEs wider access to the domestic and foreign markets by allowing them to display their products in high foot-traffic areas like shopping malls and airports.

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Go Lokal! product showcase at the ground floor of Ayala Center Cebu.

Since 99 percent of registered businesses are MSMEs, DTI initiated Go Lokal to provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to mainstream their products.

The program also helps MSMEs develop and improve local processes and use indigenous raw materials for finished products to gain international acceptability and profitability.

The free services offered by DTI under the Go Lokal! program include :

• Merchandise development assistance to produce commercially viable products for the market

• Market access to stores/spaces provided by Retail Partners such as mall and retail operators

BUY LOCAL, GO LOKAL

In 2021, the program has taken on new meaning with this pandemic as DTI aggressively encourages the public to buy Filipino made products with its new slogan “Buy Local, Go Lokal”, a national media campaign that aims to help Philippine MSMEs who have been severely affected by the COVID 19 pandemic to weather the storm and create opportunities for their recovery and growth.

Buy Local, Go Lokal revolves around the powerful message for our countrymen to fully support local businesses and entrepreneurs by patronizing local products and services.

DTI calls on Filipinos to shift their buying patterns toward the consumption and purchase of Philippine fresh produce and manufactured goods. The campaign likewise helps stimulate and boost domestic travel, while encouraging Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine owned and operated facilities and services.

Moving forward, the DTI hopes that  ‘Buy Local, Go Lokal’ advocacy will intensify the buying public’s preference for Filipino-made products and make it a permanent part of their purchasing habit.

As the new tagline for Go Lokal! states, “When we buy local, we create local jobs—not foreign jobs.”

A single purchase may seem trivial, but the collective effort to patronize local products is a big boost to local businesses.

Majority of local MSMEs in the country are  social enterprises—all aimed at helping communities and underserved groups by providing livelihood opportunities, on top of producing high-quality products and services. This makes them attractive to local and international buyers.

GOING DIGITAL
With ever-changing demands of buyers and challenges for MSMEs, Go Lokal will keep adapting and reinventing the marketplace for the Philippine economy.

Since 2020, the pandemic has accelerated the transition of MSMEs to online selling. Going digital has become a great strategy for MSMEs as it is helping them to stay relevant and competitive in an evolving marketplace.

Considering the need for MSMEs to pivot digitally, Go Lokal has partnered with UnionBank GlobalLinker.

This partnership is aligned with DTI’s goal to help MSMEs Tech Up their way of doing business. Through GlobalLinker platform, MSMEs are able to sell their products, network with other entrepreneurs, avail of banking solutions, get exclusive deals to further grow their businesses, and more. It’s a one-stop hub for all their needs and it’s free.

To date, UnionBank GlobalLinker has 50,000+ users and 1,000+ online stores. Its engagement with MSMEs and customers alike increased under the new normal because of the demand to go digital.  

The Go Lokal Digital Mall is already live on UnionBank GlobalLinker. All featured products are proudly made by Filipino entrepreneurs.

BUY LOCAL, BAI BISAYA
In Central Visayas, locally made products took centerstage in the digital space as DTI Central Visayas (DTI 7) held live online selling activities in its social media pages in 2021. DTI 7 has been using social media influencers to pitch products of local producers to various markets. Also, the DTI 7 partnered with a local startup to set up the supporting website “buyotop.ph” to facilitate online buying and fulfillment.

DTI 7 has been encouraging everyone to help the local economy recover by patronizing local products. According to the department, buying local means buyers are acknowledging the value of the products of local craftsmen and helping artisans retain their livelihood.

The campaign, dubbed “Buy Local, Bai Bisaya,” features quality Bisaya-made products. It aims to amplify local product awareness and purchases.

The website “buyotop.ph” is like the virtual version of the brick and mortar “One Town, One Product” hubs that are already existing in the provinces.

Some Filipino MSME owners are already seeing an optimistic trend, with more Filipino consumers looking to buy their products.

DTI believes there is still a bright future ahead for local entrepreneurs as the department is looking for more innovative ways to attract more buyers to purchase from them.

For more information on Go Lokal!, visit www.golokal.dti.gov.ph 
Also visit https://buyotop.ph/ 

LMPC: Billionaire Cooperative for Agripreneurs

 On June 18 this year, the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC) accepted Seven Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Pesos (P775,000.00) worth of sewing machines from the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) under the agency’s Shared Service Facility program.

According to Ellen Limocon, general manager of the LMPC,  the cooperative is one of the active partners of the DTI in developing the countryside.  She added that their officers and members have actively participated in various programs, activities, and projects of the department since early 1990s.

Limocon pointed out that Lamac Coop has four SSF Projects with the DTI, wherein two are up for upgrading.

Ellen Limocon, general manager of Lamac Multi-purpose Cooperative (LMPC)

Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Lamac MPC) is considered by its peers as among the most successful Cooperative in the country with a keen entrepreneurial track record that capitalizes on the value chain of the many industries it has ventured into over the years. 

EARLY YEARS
A quick look at their records reveal that LMPC started with the Lamac Samahang Nayon in 1973 with only 70 farmer-members and an aggregate capital of only P3,500.00 before it became a cooperative in 1992.

Lamac MPC is a highly diversified multi-purpose cooperative currently operating in the Visayas Region with 42 business offices and more than 30 branches in the entire province of Cebu.

As of June 2021, total members of tbe coop is nearly 140,000. It is one of the biggest and most expansive among coops in the Visayas wherein 60% are farmers, fisherfolks and other agri-preneurs. 

Lamac MPC is well known for its collaboration with government, non-government organizations both local and international, business chambers/industry associations, corporations, and MSMEs.

Limocon mentioned that Lamac MPC has ventured into food production (eg fresh carabao milk drinks, coco sugar), carabao farming, piggery, organic vegetable farming, demo farming, cocoa production, coco ice water plant, wearables production, T-shirt printing, and dormitory.

Limocon also said that the cooperative operates its own bank, bakery, several Dairy Box outlets, and tourism sites such as the Hidden Valley Wave Pool and Mountain Resort in Lamac. 

“As a Consumer Cooperative, it is a wholesaler, distributor and/or retailer of several goods and merchandise items”, she said.

For years, Lamac MPC has been considered a model for Sustainable Development and the gold standard for enterprising rural cooperatives, DTI 7 regional director Maria Elena Arbon said during the turn-over of garments production equipment to Lamac MPC

Maria Elena Arbon, regional director of the DTI Region 7 office

IDEAL PARTNER
In her message,  director Arbon reiterated that LMPC remains a trusted partner of DTI in implementing its various programs even amidst the pandemic.

Among the DTI SSF projects with LMPC include the Dairy Production.  This is in response to the need of the agricultural product particularly in the development and improvement of the clustered Dairy Farmers in Pinamungahan who are small farmers raising carabaos in the area.   

There is also the DTI -LMPC SSF  Garments Production which is being upgraded.  This is a strategic way of enabling their members and non-members inclusive growth by giving access to alternative source of livelihood, enhancement of the capabilities of their women farmers in sewing, and capacitate women farmers to become entrepreneurs. 

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Sewing machines given to LMPC by the DTI 7 under its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program

DTI-LMPC also has the SSF Cacao Products Processing. The LMPC and Camugao Farmers Agrarian Reform Program have for years been into cacao plantation in their respective area. These two 2 organizations used to sell cacao fruits and seedlings in the market for a very low price. But with the aid of DTI Cebu trainings, they now produce tablea.

The Lamac MPC is now in the Hall of Fame of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) with multiple “Gawad Parangal” Billionaire Coop Awards, and continues to garner high honors from different private and government institutions.

Indeed, LMPC is the epitome of a true cooperative where capital does not have command over men but men over capital.

It reminds me of a saying by Egyptian politician and diplomat Boutros Boutros-Ghali that “a real cooperative enterprise provides the organizational means whereby a significant proportion of humanity is able to take into its own hands the tasks of creating productive employment, overcoming poverty and achieving social integration.”#

Learn to connect with your FB audience with DTI 7’s webinar series

 Approaches to advertising have changed dramatically over the past five decades, from newspapers, cinema, radio, television to internet and more recently social networking.

With advances in technology, consumers are now in control of the media message they want to receive.

On Facebook,  the world’s largest social network, advertising is an important way for businesses to connect with an audience.

But Facebook ads are all about getting your message in front of exactly the right segment of  people who are most likely to want your services or products.

If you want to get the best results, it’s important to understand the different Facebook ad types and targeting options before you dive in.

The Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 (DTI 7) is offering this month free webinar sessions on Facebook Ads Strategies for eCommerce and online business.

From planning the first ad to developing campaign strategies during the webinar, resource speaker Romeo Nicolas Bonsocan of Bisaya Digital will walk digital entrepreneurs through everything they need to know about Facebook Ads.

The sessions are held every Thursday in June this year via Zoom and Livestream at the DTI Region 7 Facebook Page.

To rewatch the webinar sessions you may click on the following links:
Setting the Winning Ad Strategy (June 3, 2021)
https://fb.watch/66rqS1zfOQ/
This session will prepare digital marketers on what mindset they need to have when creating Facebook ad campaigns and setting it up for success in 2021 and beyond.

Creating Successful Ad Content  (June 10, 2021)
https://fb.watch/66rT9Z4HlG/
This session will tackle the elements of creating a successful Facebook ad content, specifically on copy and creatives (videos or graphics). By the end of
the session, they will know what how to create their ad campaigns.

Launching Ad Campaigns That Work in 2021  (June 17, 2021) https://fb.watch/6eNUAIknP8/

This session will discuss how to use Facebook Ads Manager and the advanced strategies and metrics to familiarize when creating profitable Facebook ad campaigns in the Philippines.

Growing To 10X Your Ecomm Business (June 24, 2021)
https://fb.watch/6k_hDK2A2Y/

This session will explore strategies on growing an ecommerce business in the Philippines and optimizing ad campaigns for sales and loyalty from customers.

All four sessions are available for review on the official Facebook page of the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas (@DTI.Region7) and its YouTube channel (@DTI7 Digital).

Mission Possible

 In the movie, a team of undercover operatives managed to accomplish a dangerous and difficult mission that brought the villain’s nefarious activities to a stop.

As our heroes leave offenders defeated and wondering what bludgeoned them (figuratively speaking) to damnation, we then hear the iconic musical score of the film Mission Impossible.

I love listening to this popular spy flick theme music because, not only does it give a feeling of adventure,  it reminds me that no matter how  difficult the problem is, it can be solved with brainpower, talent, skill, speed and teamwork.

I especially admire how the Mission Impossible team managed to outwit the enemy without using violence (I’m referring to the original tv series, not the Tom Cruise film version).

Our COVID19 frontline workers and vaccine lab specialists personify that team of undercover heroes. Their work in defeating this pandemic also takes teamwork, skill, smarts and speed.

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DTI7 FACES AN OUTBREAK
The swift breakout of the coronavirus in 2020 presented an alarming health crisis that the world continues to wrestle even in 2021.

In addition to the human impact, there is also a significant commercial impact currently being felt in the Philippines and globally.

In the center of it all are the frontliners including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personnel along with other key government agencies such as DOH, DOLE, LGUs etc., that are focusing on efforts to improve the compliance of business establishments to minimum health protocols. On top of this, the DTI also monitors supply and prices of basic necessities, raise consumer awareness, at the same time assist businesses establish their digital presence.

Even with the standard wearing of facemask, face shield, regular disinfection with alcohol and social distancing during field work, DTI frontliners are still susceptible to viral infection. Even if these employees turn out to be asymptomatic, the department sometimes has to close down a provincial office for disinfection.

Being in quarantine can be stressful not just to employees affected, but also to their families, as well as agency personnel left at the office.

So, in order to prevent a regular occurence from happening, DTI Region 7 has set its own health protocols. This is on top of the existing protocols set by COVID-19 Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).  

Most of the DTI 7 health protocols focus on
preventing an employee from viral infection. It’s much easier to work towards preventing viruses than it is to fight them off once they’ve been acquired.

These DTI7 health protocols include the following:

• Washing of hands often with soap and water.  DTI 7 prefers liquid soap with dispenser since this is much more convenient than a soap bar.

• Wearing of facemask within the office. Facemasks may be taken off if an employee is alone in a room.

• Using hand sanitizer regularly. Alcohol-based sanitizers are placed in conspicuous places within the office. 

• Eating of meals in one’s own desk.
  Some of employees practice eating one or two meals a day or what they call as intermittent fasting.

In my case, I eat brunch or a full meal once a day between 7:30 – 8:00 am during off-peak hours  at the canteen. I graze throughout the rest of the day, usually after 5pm. Grazing means to eat small portions of food, as appetizers or the like, in place of a full-sized meal. I don’t need that much fuel at night since I sleep early.

Other than eating healthy food, I try to drink plenty of water to strengthen my immune system. When my body is strong, my immune system can do a better job of fighting off contaminants, including viruses and bacteria.

• Visiting the office canteen during off-peak hours only when there are less people. That time would be between 7:00 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

• Using office vehicles to transport employees to and from the office.  This would lessen chances of contracting the virus from fellow passengers.

• Holding meetings and seminars via zoom or other digital conferencing apps.  This apply not just to office but also personal meetings to connect with loved ones. Emails, texts, phone calls, and video chats are more important now than ever. 

• Maintaining social distancing within the office. Employees usually sit one desk away from each other.

• Doing groceries during scheduled work-from-home days since employees would have time to take a bath after arriving home from the supermarket.

I try to buy only anti-inflammatory foods including fruits, vegetables, root crops; minimizing sugar, dairy and wheat based products.

• Assigning personnel as health and safety officers to look after the health needs of employees.

• Providing employees with facemasks and vitamins.
• Keeping mental and physical health of employees in check by video conferencing with a psychologist or medical doctor.

• Alternate scheduling of employees’ work-from-home to lessen number of employees reporting to the office.

• Using ultra-violet disinfectant for documents and packages, installing air purifiers in strategic areas of the office. Using temperature gun and QR codes to monitor health of employees.

•   Vaccination of employees. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect employees by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.

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THE TAKEAWAY
We’re living through a national and global health crisis that the world has not seen for a long time. It has entirely changed how businesses operate and how people go about their daily lives.

The pandemic isn’t over yet and the new normal hasn’t yet fully sunk in people’s consciousness. 

Until COVID 19 is clearly under control, it’s important to take heed of health protocols and focus on taking care of ourselves, our co-workers, our loved ones, and our communities.

Anonymous influencer

 Have you heard of quantum entanglement? 

This is not a lesson in physics. I am just trying to find a way to prove a point. And I believe the best way to start is with something as minute as an electron.

Quantum entanglement in physics is the state where two electron particles are so strongly entangled or connected that actions performed on one can affect the other, even when separated by great distances. 

This phenomena actually baffled  scientist Albert Einstein who called it “spooky action at a distance” because it violates the rule that no information can be transmitted faster than the speed of light.

There is, however, a more romantic description by Psychology Today. The website explains that “the experience of falling in love is altogether reminiscent of what in quantum physics is known as entanglement.

In the microscopic realm, once two particles experience a shared state, they are no longer separate entities but exist as one. This remains true even when they are separated by a great distance. The coupling moves the two individuals into an entangled sense of oneness.”

The rationale behind this, according to Psychology Today ,  is that all living beings are energy fields manifesting through their physical. “Our energy field resonates and harmonizes with each other’s so that two individuals are no longer distinctly separate. This energetic interchange happens simultaneously on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.”

To put it simply, human beings affect one another by their very existence and interaction with each other, whether they are aware of it or not.

CHANGE OURSELVES TO CHANGE THE WORLD
Let me say this again: my article is not a treatise on quantum physics. It is just that the concept of quantum entanglement explains well the idea I’ve always wanted to broach to any one who might find the idea difficult to comprehend. If I start with something as small as an electron, you will see that it all makes sense.

The idea of changing ourselves to change the world is a good scheme as it is softer and non-confrontational approach to social transformation.

ANONYMOUS

STEALTH OPERATOR
I like the non-aggressive,  “stealth” approach to life — a course of action that’s hardly detectable, quiet , under the radar but produces a formidable impact that changes the game.

But then ideas that aren’t mainstream or have not been cuddled in the minds of the majority are considered revolutionary, ground breaking or ,even worst, controversial.

Considering that I value my privacy and peace of mind, I would rather that someone else takes the credit for pushing an idea that’s deviant and out of the ordinary even if this becomes wildly successful. That is why I am mentioning it in this article.

The idea of changing ourselves to change the world is indeed radical for most people because they think of themselves as separate from one another; not one cohesive field of ambient energy.

EMOTIONAL INTIMACY
Take the case of this one particular idea that’s surprisingly radical to most people, particularly westerners — emotional intimacy in friendship.

So what is emotional intimacy ? Why does it make most people uncomfortable, particularly men ?

Emotional closeness is an aspect of interpersonal relationships. It involves a perception of closeness to another that allows sharing of deep feelings, vulnerabilities and trust accompanied by expectations of understanding, affirmation, and demonstration of caring. Emotional intimacy can be expressed in verbal and non-verbal communication, and the degree of its intensity depends on the nature of the relationship and the culture in which it is observed. 

Global culture currently places too much emphasis on romance and not enough on the value of friendships.  I believe close friendships are just as intense and meaningful as what one might experience in a marriage. The only thing that is missing from a close friendship is sexual intimacy.

Yet movies, books and society seem to put all the emphasis only on romantic relationships, claiming it has a monopoly on love.

Since I’m writing this article, allow me to expound further on this subject. What if I tell you love can be enjoyed without the complications of sex or romantic entanglements? The reason it doesn’t is because society forces us to keep our friends at arm’s length.

Regular friends, as society pictures it, talk about everything they have in common, except those matters that are uncomfortable, emotionally charged, thought provoking and those that pertain to their relationship. Also, there’s this issue regarding physical expression of affection which moral pundits consider proper: a hug that is not too long; a kiss on the cheek that is more of a quick, light peck; no holding of hands or any part of the arm unless you are helping a PWD or assisting someone overcome a physical challenge. Anything beyond that is considered a romantic relationship.

Tell me if I am wrong, we are more fearful of how society would judge us if we go outside the norm than nurturing true friendships. Most people would rather lose their minds while living a life of quiet desperation than lose the respect of the public.

In a society that equates love with sexual contact, it’s no wonder our friendships are largely shallow and devoid of any deep and meaningful interaction. It’s also no wonder many of us still feel lonely, empty and isolated despite having many so called “friends” or “relationships”. No wonder professional “cuddlers” (pay to cuddle) are on the rise in western societies.

Emotional intimacy in friendship is just one of my ideas which I couldn’t possibly discuss with anyone in a noisy coffee shop. Thank God, I have this blog. I can write down as many of my ideas as I want. I hope that someone out there will read and run with it and bring it to fruition.  It would make the world a better place to live.

A VIRTUAL CHAT
I would be happy to have someone else take the spotlight and the media’s cameras, while I drink my tea in peace and still be able to walk through the streets and malls in anonymity.

I can imagine myself being a friend to the world’s future reformers. Maybe out of the blue, in one of our casual conversations at a tea shop, I would probably advance a radical idea or two to him / her.  This hopefully ignites him/ her to organize a global movement that influences thousands of people to change their lives and how they perceive the world.

In other words, I can indirectly change society just by being myself and without breaking a sweat.

Fame does not bring meaning to my life; making a difference in someone else’s life does. I’d like to have enough money to live comfortably and afford the experiences I crave; but not too much to the point that I lose my moral compass.

ANONYMOUS

Relaxing, substantial, non-formal conversations with friends who are advocates or reformers would be something I would definitely enjoy in the years to come more than protesting in the streets or joining organizations that promote a political or social cause.

At this point, can I propose an idea ?  Are you open to having a spirited chat with me over tea via zoom ? 

Take a few minutes to ponder on that. Let me know your thoughts and feelings.

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Photos taken from Ethel Rida’s FB. It appears that puppies and dogs are more acceptable models of friendship than humans.

DTI's DREAM Project for Freelancers

 The year 2020 was difficult for everyone, but it was particularly tough for many Filipinos who lost their jobs.

We have not yet fully gauged the fallout, but the months of lockdown led to the scarcity of funds and a fall in demand for certain products and activities. These have led many entrepreneurs to close their businesses, rendering many employees jobless.

Although the current pandemic has had a severe impact on the brick and mortar businesses, the digital economy has proven instrumental in our country’s fight against the negative effects of COVID-19. Those who had already maximized the internet in the past had the advantage of being able to fast-track their business growth.

Our ability to leverage digital tools has been key in business survival during COVID times and the pandemic has accelerated this process of digital transformation across almost all sectors.

As we slowly but steadily shift to the recovery stage, we’ve also seen that the pandemic has brought on drastic changes to consumer behavior that are likely to remain for years to come. Also, based on data taken by the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines, there is now a fast growing number of people entering the digital services sector.

The question then is how we can help more entrepreneurs, particularly those in the services industry, grow and successfully navigate the new normal.

DIGITAL SERVICES INDUSTRY
This trend towards a leaner, project-based digital workforce is expected to continue beyond the current crisis, driven by the digital transformation movement and the maturation of online services that match businesses with available freelance professionals.

But while COVID-19 has motivated businesses that otherwise wouldn’t have considered using outside help, many experts believe most businesses will continue to use more freelance help in the future.

There are many reasons for this long term outlook. These include cost savings, specialization, flexibility, better quality, and wider talent choices.

As online platforms become more sophisticated, it’s easier than ever for businesses to find the right person for a particular project.

Also, businesses save money when they’re not paying for long-term employment or office space.

Businesses are noting that successful freelancers are agile especially if they work for multiple clients or take on short-term roles with limited ramp-up times. Freelancers know how important it is to constantly prove their worth to short-term clients.  Companies who hire them can benefit from this extra effort.  Moreover, the types of work that can be performed by freelancers, contractors, and independent consultants is almost limitless. 

More importantly, businesses can choose freelance candidates from virtually anywhere around the globe. Geography does not appear to be a limitation.

DTI’S DREAM PROGRAM
Knowing their value, digital freelancers should take stock of their skills and experience and consider upskilling through training courses to be better prepared for seismic changes ahead.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas (DTI 7)  is currently developing an online training course specifically for digital services entrepreneurs.

In partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI),  DTI7 will implement the Digital Services Entrepreneurs Advancement Mentoring (DREAM) Program in August this year.

DREAM program will feature mentorship modules to be used to propel digital services entrepreneurs to thrive in spite of the unprecedented setbacks that now confront businesses of all types and sizes.

The modules will cover:
• Entrepreneurial Mind-setting and Values Formation
• Overview of the Market
• Developing the Business
• Finance and Operations Management
• People Management
• Contract Management
• Client Management
• Legalizing your Business
• Business Model Canvass
• One on one mentoring:
(After the course / graduation, to accomplish specific milestones)

DTI’s DREAM program is FREE of charge but can only accommodate a maximum of 30 participants from Region 7 for the first batch.

The program aims to produce confident entrepreneurs with the right mindset & basic management skills which will enable them to sustain their enterprises amidst the challenges of the pandemic and new normal conditions.

Interested applicants must have at least 6 months freelancing experience, willing and committed to complete the program, able to submit the necessary documents, and agree to upscale his/her business.

If you are interested to participate in the program,  get in touch with Marilyn Tancinco, Supervising Trade and Industry Developing Specialist (STIDS) of the DTI Small and Medium Enterprise Development Division, through the following contact information: MarilynTancinco@dti.gov.ph / celfon # 09209020341