March 29, 2024

The Department of Trade and Industry-Apayao awarded the last wave of livelihood kits in the province this year.

DTI-Apayao OIC Director Wena Buston and Luna Mayor Josephine Bangsil with Dagupan Barangay Kagawad Lilibeth Agraan led the distribution of livelihood kits to 180 beneficiaries from the 19 barangays of Luna last week.

The livelihood kits awarded include packages for loom weaving, handicraft making, furniture manufacturing, coffee processing, construction services, dressmaking/tailoring, salon/barber shop, massage services, karinderya, food processing, agribusiness, and trading.

The DTI reported for 2022, a total of 480 beneficiaries from the different municipalities were awarded with various livelihood kits amounting to P3,840,000 under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program.

Buston said PPG is one of the interventions of the government particularly to micro, small, and medium enterprises who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The kits containing materials, equipment, and initial stocks will help them start anew or improve their businesses.

She also presented other DTI programs available for MSMEs.

Jessa Lyka Pangdan, Small Business Corporation’s Loan Officer assigned in Apayao also discussed the details of its RISE UP Multi-purpose Loan wherein MSMEs can apply for loan between P10,000 to P5 million to help them sustain their business.

SB Corp. is the financing arm of the DTI.

Bangsil thanked the DTI for the continued support to the entrepreneurs of Luna.

She challenged the beneficiaries to sustain their businesses through the livelihood assistance provided to them. – Redjie Melvic Cawis