- 16 hours ago
Catch this episode of Beyond the Headlines as we sit down with Marivic Aguilar, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Province, for an insightful discussion on MSMEs, emerging economic trends, consumer protection, and the government’s continued support for local enterprises and industries.
Discover the programs and initiatives helping strengthen Cebuano businesses and empower communities in today’s evolving economy.
Discover the programs and initiatives helping strengthen Cebuano businesses and empower communities in today’s evolving economy.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Thank you for joining us.
00:38Good afternoon. Welcome to Beyond the Headlines. I'm DJ Moises.
00:42Today we speak with the Department of Trade and Industry or DTI Cebu Province to better understand how DTI is
00:50helping maintain fair trade practices,
00:52support MSMEs, stabilize markets, and respond to economic realities affecting ordinary Filipinos.
01:01Joining us today is the Provincial Director of DTI Cebu Province, Marivic Aguilar.
01:06Hello, Director Marivic. Welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
01:09Hello, Sir DJ. Thank you so much for having me.
01:12Thank you so much for joining us today and tomorrow to our viewers in this program. Beyond the Headlines.
01:18Yes. So, let's get into business now.
01:21Yes. Business is very literal.
01:26Yes, sir.
01:26Sige. So, many people would hear about DTI or Department of Trade and Industry, but not all actually understands what
01:39the department is actually doing.
01:42So, can you quickly walk us through about the functions of DTI?
01:45DTI. Okay. First off, the Department of Trade and Industry is a national agency, no? And we are actually a
01:52broad agency with diverse services.
01:58A short way of saying that is we help MSME start, survive, grow, and become more competitive. And at the
02:06same time, we also cater to the consumers.
02:09So, we champion both business and consumers. One is a short description of what DTI does. And if someone can
02:22flash the screen, no? Our mission, our organizational outcomes are comprised of exports and investments.
02:30We do export and investment development programs. We also have industry development programs. Another mission of ours is MSME development
02:41program. And in the last but not least, you mentioned earlier, consumer welfare enhanced through consumer protection program and consumer
02:50education and advocacy program.
02:52So, in a nutshell, in a nutshell, in a nutshell, but maybe we'll have a chance to elaborate on each
03:00eventually.
03:01So, in a nutshell, sir, because we start with the broader part, man. So, in a nutshell, also, how does
03:09DTI affect everyday Cebuanos or everyday Filipinos?
03:13Okay. Naatay obvious kaayo, no? Very visual activities that they see that you can already feel the impact or the
03:26effect. One of these is our consumer protection programs.
03:29You see, in fact, you see, in fact, that's one of the services we are more known for, no?
03:34Kanang mag-price monitoring, mag-a-to i-monitor or i-enforce ang mga fair trade laws. So, immediate ang
03:42effect, ana, kasi ma-feel madain sa consumers.
03:45Another, siguro, ma-ingon ako nga immediate impact are our programs for MSMEs or livelihood development because they offer, they
03:55actually result in jobs, in generating income, no?
04:01For the company. So, that means enhanced livelihood sa mga MSMEs.
04:08And, in a sense, dipod kayo obvious, but we see this really being felt is ang improvement sa way of
04:15life, no? Sa mga tao. So, that's us building our economy through trade, industry, and investment.
04:22Okay. Eventually, more and more people will have a better power, no?
04:27Yes.
04:27With their money.
04:28Yes, sir, DJ. And for every, let me just zero in on the MSMEs or the micro, small, and medium
04:33enterprises.
04:34For every MSMEs that survive, you know, because we're having this tension or crisis, no?
04:43Some would call. For every MSME that survives, we protect that MSME, that family, we protect jobs, and then, eventually,
04:53the community, no?
04:53So, we are hoping through our activity sa DTI, in collaboration, in cooperation with our partners, we can better at
05:04least give them a fighting chance, ba? Atong mga MSMEs.
05:08So, speaking of fighting chance and the global tension, no?
05:13Yes.
05:13That the world is experiencing.
05:16Yes.
05:16From your observation, what are the sectors that are feeling the greatest pressure, no?
05:26Okay.
05:26With what's happening?
05:27Okay.
05:29Right now, the biggest challenge, really, that is being experienced by our business sector, and even the common tao, no,
05:36is ang cost pressure.
05:38Consumers feel it through daily expenses nila, no? So, businesses also feel it through increase of fuel, logistics, mga raw
05:49materials, rent, utilities, all those mga expenses associated in running a business.
05:55So, in terms of sector, the tourism sector is one, retail, logistics and supply sector is also very much affected,
06:08and manufacturers. Actually, virtually every major sector is affected.
06:12Basta fuel na gigod ang increase, no? So, Canada is cost and pressure sa supply.
06:21Because, correct me if I'm wrong, the numbers I think that I remember is 98% of our crude oil
06:31supply is really coming from the Middle East.
06:34Yes. And we've been trying to address that you've been part of that effort, no? When we were there in
06:40the provincial capital.
06:42To manage the shock, no?
06:43To manage the shock, no?
06:44To manage the shock, to mitigate the effect. And good thing, good thing lang yun kaayong ka ng active, itong
06:50mga business sector players.
06:53And also the MSMEs. And of course, our partner national agencies, no? We've come together, we're trying to solve and
07:01at least cushion the effect of the Middle East tensions.
07:06And with your interaction with MSMEs, that's really the majority of the entrepreneurs, not only in Cebu, but in the
07:13Philippines, no? What would be the usual worries, no? That you hear from them?
07:19Okay, come again.
07:21The worries that you hear from SMMEs, oh my god. MSMEs, okay.
07:28When you have a conversation with them.
07:29Okay.
07:30But this kind of makes me recall ka itong sa COVID na times, no? There's, um, grabe lang itong uncertainty
07:38at itong nga time, no?
07:39And because it's also a health issue.
07:41Health issue. So, grabe itong siya. So, there is still that, um, yung ta, panagana, no? And there's still that
07:48concern nga.
07:49Can my business still survive after this? Especially if ka nang sensitive, yun kaay siya cost sensitive.
07:56So, these are some concerns. Others are trying to manage it the best way they can.
08:01So, naioban, wala sila ni-increase sa ilahang prices because they wanna preserve their share in the market. And others
08:08also, just for ano lang yun.
08:10Gusto lang yun sila makatabang sa community. They absorb sa nila ang cost, no?
08:14So, pero naging na nga worrying, maabot ang time, what if, no? And we are talking here of livelihood, your
08:20source of income.
08:21This is where you get your resources to feed your family, everyday concerns, no?
08:26So, maopo na, during sa COVID, we had those concerns because magnified lang yun to siya.
08:31Uh, but, uh, that continues, no? That lingers, uh, karoon.
08:35And, ka na siya. Those are just, uh, mga ingatang, mga concerns.
08:39But, uh, good thing lang, uh, people now are really trying to find ways to manage and mitigate the effect.
08:46Especially with, uh, I hope I'll remember the numbers correctly, but our inflation is about 7, above 7%, no?
08:57And then in Central Visayas, it's even, like, higher, no? Which is 10%, but the growth rate is 2.6
09:05or 2.8%, no?
09:06Oh, percent, so.
09:07Yeah, but you have to remember, we came from a high point, no? 2023 to 2024.
09:12Ngayong gig po kaitagboan ato, performance, we were, like, 7 point, around 7.3, 7.8%.
09:18Or averaging mga 6%.
09:19Yes, oh, it was an impressive growth.
09:21But then, of course, because of, um, na, mananiro na, feel na gin na to ang disruption, uh, sir DJ.
09:27Because, particularly in Visayas, no? Sugbohol naman ta si Bogbohol.
09:32But, uh, ang structure gin na to, sa geography na to, is so dependent on, uh, shipping, logistics, and all
09:40that.
09:40So, especially nga, we're an island.
09:42We're an island, oh.
09:43So, ma-feel gin na gin mo ang, ang disruption, no?
09:46And, uh, di makabawi.
09:47Although, na ay economic activity, uh, na ay trading gin maitabo.
09:52Because we, you know, day to day magin na siya ang transaction, but di kabawi sa cost, no?
09:56So, that's why na-feel gin na to siya ang, ang, ang, ang pagdip sa atong, atong growth.
10:01But, uh, we're hoping, again, no?
10:03Nga, uh, the, the circumstances will improve.
10:06And, uh, we will be able to survive this, kanin, phase ron sa ato ang, uh, life.
10:13And you've mentioned earlier nga, there was, and it's still ongoing, no?
10:17A convergence that was formed.
10:20Yes.
10:20Uh, with different agencies.
10:22Along with the business sector.
10:24Yes.
10:24To help mitigate, no?
10:26Mm-hmm.
10:26The shock that the consumers and the businesses are feeling.
10:30Yes.
10:30About the Middle East tension.
10:32Can you walk us through on that also?
10:34Ah, yes.
10:35From, from, actually, from, wala pa na hitabo, no?
10:44No, no?
10:44No, no?
10:45No.
10:46No, no?
10:46No, no?
10:47And, uh, somewhat siya magka-relevant during the Middle, kini, kanin, Middle East nga, nga,
10:58forming them into, you know, a group so that they can together work, collaborate on how to address the challenges
11:08besetting their industry.
11:10At the same time, and this is where the ganahan kayo sa Sigu is, ang active kayo, ito ang mga
11:16partners, no, NGAs and the civic society, the business chambers and key business leaders.
11:23We've come together, nag-brainstormed on how to really solve the issue.
11:29So, di nalang ako i-state very much specific measures, the agencies concerned, Marina, CPA, MCIAA, the civil, the customs,
11:41even the BIR, the civil aviation people.
11:44Itong mga agencies na involved sa logistics, transport and logistics, they've come together, they offered, on the highway, mapagaan, mapagaan
11:52ang atong.
11:53Ito ang expense, cost, and to make sure that products and services are moving.
12:02Actually, that's part of what we do in DTI, to make sure that unhampered yun ang movement ng goods, so
12:08that economic activities continue to happen.
12:11Because kung standstill ta, ay problema yun na siya.
12:14Yeah, I remember in the beginning of the tension, I would hear some government leaders would say na there is
12:25a concern on the cost increase, but that's still a better conversation compared to not having any supply at all.
12:35Yes, yes, I agree, no?
12:38So, sir, a supply issue is a different sort of animal to deal with, no?
12:44And a harder one to fight.
12:47Yes, ang cost, medyo, napatay mga cost mitigating measures.
12:51So, actually, at the start, maupod na ang gitan, no?
12:54So, that's why logistics and transport and logistics and supply chain is very critical in this play.
13:02So, now, this is in general, the MSMEs community in Central Visayas and in Cebu.
13:10And because I think this is over 90% of all the businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs, and a
13:20lot are still also going through not necessarily a wider margin.
13:26So, they experience the shock in a more pronounced way compared to the bigger companies, no?
13:35So, even before the Middle East tension, what were also the comments or feedback also that you are hearing from
13:46MSMEs in terms of the challenges they are facing as the smaller group of entrepreneurs?
13:56Actually, sir, we had a cascading workshop for the MSMEs plan, no?
14:042023 to 2028, recently.
14:07And one of the realizations of that gathering was there's actually not much shortage of programs and services sa government,
14:16no?
14:16And even sa private sector.
14:19Daghan ka yung programs and services.
14:21Ang ilang problema daw is ang access, no?
14:25And accessing the right kind of service, no?
14:28At the right time.
14:29So, one realization, you point out earlier, the one of the magic words I love, no?
14:34Convergence, and there's collaboration, there's cooperation.
14:38Needed ka e na to, na buhaton, because we cannot, it's not a one agency show, no?
14:43Although DTI is always associated with trade and industry, of course, by the very name of our agency.
14:50But it's more than just DTI.
14:53This is really a whole of government approach or a whole of society approach.
14:58And through that, an MSME discovers na diliira DTI, diliyay ang na i-services.
15:04There's a more app pagani nga yung ta program that they can avail of.
15:10And the agencies, the other agencies, partners na to, because we collaborate more now, we are able to promote these
15:23services.
15:23So, one of their requests na siya, so now, there's facilitation for financing, access to financing, access to market, access
15:34to product development, or how to just make their products really more competitive.
15:42These are essentially the same concerns all throughout when you operate your business.
15:50And there are also concerns on enabling matters like when you open a business, what to do.
16:00So, some, unfortunately, we just, because magpa-survey magpudmi, you're right, no?
16:06Some are not very familiar with DTI.
16:10Mauningi-ani nga klasi nga platform provides us a chance to let people know what we can do.
16:17But at the same time, we want to also recognize the other partners na to sa MSME development, no?
16:24Like DUST, for Science and Technology Matters, for our MSME, inaapod na sila yung mga services, Department of Labor and
16:31Employment even, no?
16:33For workers of our MSMEs.
16:36And there's TESDA for the skills development.
16:39So, pa na siya? Convergence, dagahan ka yung factors for our MSMEs to really become more competitive.
16:48Wala lang gig kayo ay access or wala gilig kayo ay sila familiar.
16:51Kami po, nagkulang po siguro may sa pagpahibalo.
16:54Or maybe there's a need to really more effectively let people know, no?
16:59Of these services.
17:02So, we've covered previously katong access to financing.
17:06That's through SB Corp.
17:08Yes, our financing arm, sir.
17:10So, I'd like to hear more about access to product development.
17:15Can you articulate more about that?
17:16Yes, okay.
17:17We have a program called Autop, no?
17:20Or one town, one product.
17:22But now, we usually just use the word Autop, no?
17:25So, this is...
17:27It starts with product development and design of certain items of MSMEs that need to be level up, no?
17:38That's the term.
17:39So, that means they have an idea.
17:40Yes.
17:41And then they go to DTI.
17:42Yes.
17:42And then we have actually designers.
17:44We have what we call Autop designers and business counselors, actually, that would look at your product, see if it's
17:52possible to improve.
17:53And then another aspect of the Autop is the market access, no?
17:59As we said, we have to see how ready the product is for trade fairs, for business-to-business meetings.
18:05We organize activities, especially for food, for you to be able to access the wider market, you may need accreditation
18:18and registration with the food development administration or FDA.
18:22You may need LTO, license to operate, product registration.
18:26So, these are things that will help an MSME penetrate further and gain more market.
18:35So, that is a program that we have in DTI.
18:38And again, our partners from the other agencies are also into this advocacy.
18:44So, what I want to do is just check and duplicate it, harmonize it, because to maximize the resources of
18:52the government for MSME development.
18:54In fact, I am so grateful that it will be the regional MSME Council at the highest policy level for
19:04MSME programs.
19:06You have a policy direction here in the region that is chaired by our regional director at DTI and co
19:14-chaired by right now Mr. Felix Taguiam at the business sector.
19:18So, co-chaired na sila.
19:20And in the national level, it's the secretary herself, Secretary Cristina Roque and Sir Joey Concepcion, I believe, for the
19:30business sector.
19:31So, and then together, the members are the national agencies, some are LGU representatives, and in this case, in our
19:41regional business chambers.
19:45So, we're all working together to meet those objectives for our MSMEs.
19:53Is business incubation part of DTI?
19:57Yes, we have programs for that, although Naaputay Academe, we have partners as well with DOST.
20:05Where are they?
20:07Yes.
20:08Oh, because I knew there was one across UP before, but I don't know where the new ones are.
20:15Yes, it's already closed, but we partner with DOST for that, and UP actually still has the incubation, they still
20:25have the incubation, they have more of IT related to Ilahang Incubation Centers.
20:31We also have a mentoring, by the way, that's a part of what we do also in DTI, the mentoring
20:36and coaching part.
20:37So, we have mentoring for tech startups, it's a form of incubation in a way, it's a physical, but we
20:44have creative hubs that offer what you call incubation stage, so before they let go, become adults and all nurture
20:55them, so if that is what you mean by that.
20:58We have, we have, that's a project that we can work on together, so that it becomes more responsive.
21:07But in the meantime, we have mentoring programs and coaching.
21:11This is Go Negosyo, no?
21:12Go Negosyo is one.
21:14We also have a startup island that is for tech startups, there are a lot of ways of mentoring, and
21:21then we have a dream.
21:23I forgot the initial, the acronym, the meaning, but that is for creative, for mentoring, for creative entrepreneurs.
21:32So, it's kind of customised, right, the mentoring.
21:36Because they have different needs.
21:38Yes, and then some are entrepreneurial already, but need assistance or guidance in proper business, recording.
21:47Because sometimes, when you're in a business, there's no proper recording, there's no proper recording, there's no proper recording, there's
21:52no proper recording.
21:53So, that's what matters.
21:55We also try to increase, enhance the capability of our MSMEs and some, even something as basic as business planning.
22:08There's no vision.
22:11So, we have a mentoring program for that, and we hope people can also enroll in that program.
22:18So, for example, I have an example, so I have a vinegar, for example, an idea of a vinegar, so
22:28let's call it Pinasurprise.
22:30Okay.
22:31How will I engage with DTI?
22:34Okay, okay.
22:35Vinegar, made of what's the money?
22:36Coconut?
22:36Coconut, okay.
22:37Coconut, okay.
22:38Which happens to be a priority product, not a priority crop, because we have a program.
22:44So, we have to check also.
22:46So, I go to DTI, any of our negosyo centers, okay, this is my cue now to tell you that
22:52we have, not only have one office in DTI, but we actually have right now 40 press centers, we call
23:01them negosyo centers.
23:03Ah, in the province, the region.
23:04In the province, in the province.
23:05In the province, so 40.
23:0740 out of 53, but we're still far from the target really is, according to the law, the Go Negosyo
23:12Act is tag sa gita, nagita itag sa ka, negosyo center.
23:16And the negosyo center is our little presence there, usually lodged, or actually lodged sa LGU.
23:23And that is our office that will offer assistance in business registration, business advisory, that's where you go for business
23:32counseling.
23:32To see, assess the needs of your needs.
23:35The packaging, packaging.
23:38Is there something we can improve there, and where can we market you, and what are the registration requirements for
23:47a food?
23:49It's a food, it's a food, something you ingest, no? So, safe ba i mong suka i kuan, although mga
23:54suka i kuan, but we have to check that it's really edible, no?
23:59So, and so, that's our, that's the role of our negosyo center, sir.
24:03And we hope to establish more.
24:07We are calling on our local government units that have, don't yet have a negosyo center to help us, and
24:14to partner with us.
24:16Because this is, for the MSMEs in their area, it's actually bringing the business to the countryside.
24:24Yeah, the business and the services of DTI, and by the way, it's not just DTI, it's a hub.
24:30Oh, it's more, that's the intent.
24:34For several agencies.
24:37Oh, yeah.
24:38So, it becomes, the ideal is like a one-stop shop, no?
24:42Yes, sir.
24:42Yes, so, our partners' food.
24:45But we'll be the first here because as the, what, the negosyo access, DTI ang itasan to form it with
24:54the blessing of the MSMEs council in that area.
24:57So hopefully, hopefully, this is the 53 LGU. So they all have...
25:04So that's the first step.
25:06Yes, go and assess.
25:08It's like a doctor who is diagnosed, right?
25:11Assess before you have a doctor.
25:15But we call our people business counsellor.
25:19Or like a doctor in a sense.
25:21And then after that, they are given options or access to the programs that we have
25:29and also of our other partners in the MSMED Advocacy.
25:35When I was in DTI, like a few months ago,
25:40one of the things that I discovered and maybe you can articulate it more is,
25:45for example, so let's stick with the vinegar.
25:47I already have the product. I already have the design.
25:51And I'm already selling it.
25:52But I think you also have a program to help me scale it.
25:56Yes, sir.
25:57Okay.
25:59There are different ways of scaling up actually.
26:01So you can scale up in terms of from a micro level.
26:06You gain because you've got more business.
26:11You've got more capacity.
26:15We can further offer financing as a way of expanding.
26:20You need machine.
26:21You need to make sure that you have a mass-produced product.
26:27Vinegar.
26:27Vinegar.
26:28Or you'd like to enter certain markets.
26:31Or you'd like to get some kind of accreditation or registration.
26:35And that is a formal.
26:36And then, very important these days, digitalization.
26:40Correct.
26:40So you'd like to trade in the community to sell.
26:46Maybe, you know, maybe there's a way to sell that.
26:50Although the suka is a bit, no, no?
26:52Medyo, medyo.
26:54Everywhere.
26:55My limitation.
26:55My limitation.
26:56And then, you have to be careful also in using the word.
27:00It's an IP thing.
27:02Pinakurat.
27:03Yeah.
27:04Yeah.
27:04Okay.
27:04Pinakurat.
27:05Yeah.
27:07Pinakurat.
27:07But the pinakurat is the IP.
27:11You have to trade also.
27:12Correct.
27:12DTR will also help me with that.
27:14Yes, sir.
27:15We will tell you.
27:16I'm going to use it.
27:17Because I'm going to use it.
27:18So, a part of the packaging and labeling, you said.
27:22You're like that.
27:23You're so cute.
27:24You're so cute.
27:24You're so cute.
27:26You're so cute.
27:27It depends on your MSME.
27:29So, I'm going to use it as a trademark.
27:32It's a trademark.
27:33I'm going to register.
27:34That's also part of my family, the IPO fill.
27:39So, we'll assist you also in getting your logo.
27:43To be formally registered.
27:45The trademark.
27:46The trademark.
27:48Pinakurati.
27:48Pinakurati.
27:50Pinakurati.
27:52Pinakurati.
27:53Pinakurati.
27:54Pinakurati.
27:55Pinakurati.
27:55Pinakurati.
27:56Pinakurati.
27:57Pinakurati.
27:59Pinakurati.
28:01Hypothetical.
28:02Yeah.
28:02That's how we try to scale you up.
28:06So that it becomes sustainable business.
28:10And then later, maybe.
28:13You mentioned that there's an ecosystem that you're also forming.
28:17So that SMEs are also able to support themselves and the community.
28:26I think you mentioned something about that.
28:28Ah, kind of a group.
28:29They have their online meetings or classes.
28:33Yes.
28:34Yes.
28:34That's the mentoring part.
28:37Yeah.
28:37Last year, we have, we held a Kamustahan.
28:41Kamustahan sa mga mentees na mo, no?
28:45Sa KMME or Kapatid.
28:47That's the name of the program.
28:49Kapatid Mentor Me.
28:50KMME, no?
28:51We had like a reunion.
28:53So we're trying to form them by batches na sila.
28:56And so that's one way of, actually during the, during their mentorship, they, they learn more about each other.
29:01Kay classmate.
29:02Kay amon yan.
29:03Kay na yung mga assignment ng atong mga, mga mentors po, no?
29:06So they, they, and eventually they've formed business projects, sir.
29:11Business relationships, no?
29:12Through these mga, mga groupings nila.
29:15And then, there are also formal groupings that we call, that we, we try to create, no?
29:21Mga industry councils, industry sector groups.
29:25And from there, they, they try to help each other.
29:27So dili lang, ang, when you join these things, Mangod, it's no longer your...
29:31By the way, is this word free?
29:32Or?
29:33Depende na na sa, ano, sorry.
29:35Ah, the service that we do is free, no?
29:36But, but depend this, what's this, organization na, if they want to, to charge membership FIBA or just to be
29:44together lang.
29:45So they can draft, um, certain policies that they'd like to lobby or affecting their industry.
29:52That's what we actually encourage.
29:54So that dili ang tanang-answers, gika ni DTI.
29:57If there's a law that's being, ah, yung mga ito, gikonsult, no?
30:02Ang, ang, ang, ang, ang, ang business sector.
30:04Dili lang kami may mo comment.
30:05Of course, mo ragi hapon.
30:06It's a very, ano, no?
30:07Na kami ragi hapon ang musturya.
30:09It has to come from those that we feel would be affected more and may benefit
30:13or may, or may suffer sa mga certain policies.
30:18So that's part of the ecosystem we're building, no?
30:21That, ah, we, we, we try to strengthen their, their linkages.
30:25And that's my cue to also, ah, kanang, ah, praise, ah, Cebu Chamber for being such a strong partner in
30:32that area, no?
30:33Although, ah, we have a lot pod mga mga, mga, mga organizations in, in, in, in, in, in, in, in
30:39that, actually partner with us.
30:40And now, because of our digitalization campaigns, we even have telcos that offer their time and resources also to promote,
30:51not to hard sell their products, but really to promote the essence of how their products can be leveraged for
30:59them in their business.
31:00Yes, or we have to tell people what they need to be more digital these days so that they can
31:13level up.
31:14So these things, campaign, it's an advocacy, it's a mission somewhat.
31:20So we start with the understanding and appreciation before they try to sell your products and services.
31:29So now, I'll make a disclaimer now.
31:33So the purpose for this is not advertising brands, but the purpose for this is to inspire our would-be
31:39entrepreneurs.
31:40But can you tell us about the existing brands of MSMEs that you have collaborated in the past?
31:52And now, we will be able to see them in the mall or some success stories.
31:59And it's not advertising them, but it's really for inspiration that this could be the success that our would-be
32:06entrepreneurs would be seeing.
32:08Okay, some of them are actually awardees, no? So awardees, grand chamber awards, and even presidential awards for MSMEs.
32:21One, a good number of them are our mentees, sir.
32:23So we're so proud of them, our mentees, sa kapatid mentor me.
32:27One of them is a very known brand.
32:34And it started with this program?
32:37I would say, well, Mr. Terrence, but he's one of the pioneering batches in this KMME program.
32:48We're glad nga, nanagin na siya, nanagin siya sa market, known as franchise pala kapatid yung branches.
32:55And then, there's Tata, who will be celebrating.
32:5812 year.
32:59Yes, Costales. Ate by Tata.
33:01Okay, and then, the presidential awardee na ito is Siargao's Bounty.
33:08Seafood na siyang company in Milanilia.
33:12So mga locals, local kinis silang mga MSMEs.
33:16And a good number of them, I should have prepared kayo.
33:19In the recent ASEAN hosting na ito, summit, on the sideline, I would not say really, on the sideline,
33:27there is really an activity that was organized by the presidential office, kanak communications office.
33:34They asked DTI to help them.
33:36On the other hand, kung ganoon yung mga partnership, it comes in, niya na,
33:38kung ganoon yung kailan na DTI, si DTI dahil na ito.
33:41Asata, kinsa yung mga maayong Cebu-based MSMEs and products that we can showcase.
33:48The picture there, the intended buyers or audience are the members of the international press covering the ASEAN summit, no?
33:57So they had this venue.
33:58So they have ASEAN visibility.
33:59Yes, and then we had, we invited around seven.
34:03So some of these are, si ano, the City Uargao na ito, nga Hablon products there, mga artisan, women na
34:10siya ha.
34:10So they were very particular, mga of the profile that they want to promote there.
34:16So women, women-led, artisan, so we had Hablon, we had Holy Cow, we had Adorno, very beautiful nga mga
34:26furniture, furnishings nga products.
34:30Sa food na ito, we have Audrey's Confectionaries, Dalia Chocolates, kinsa pa puto na dito ha.
34:37And then mga si Ram Vigo for the Ram collection niya, OFW siya.
34:43Kanisa, that's another po na siya, OFWs nga nag-transition to MSMEs, we also have a program for them.
34:50Because we have to recognize also that OFWs, many of them go abroad, mangita na silag maayong ko ano.
34:57Myself, I'm a product of an OFW po niya.
35:01My father was of FW, so na yung mga dreams to have a better life, and then mag-ribalik diri,
35:09and mag-business.
35:11So there's that, actually there is that plan to come back, so we hope to be able to help them
35:16as well.
35:17And some have become successful also.
35:21That's one fulfillment's ammunition.
35:24And the good thing about it is, at least if we have viewers who are watching, and they're thinking about
35:29setting up their own business, the moment they see these brands, they're also able to see the possibilities.
35:36Yes.
35:36That they also can do that.
35:39Yes, correct. We want to encourage that user.
35:42Somebody balik diri, like say, Lemon ko was, in a way, technically an OFW who came back here and did
35:49the business.
35:50Dahlia Chocolates also came back, came home, and made business.
35:55So, ano, pwede gida i kama balik diri, and create an entirely new life with new products that you can
36:02really be proud of.
36:04And you will be able to help your family.
36:07Succeeding generations.
36:09Succeeding generations.
36:10So, before we let you go.
36:11Okay.
36:12Oh, one hour, na?
36:13Oh, yes.
36:14My God.
36:14Okay.
36:15Before, I'd like us to go back to consumer protection, because this is part of the services that you mentioned
36:22earlier.
36:23Especially now that we are going through this tension, it's important also for them to be educated on what DTI
36:31does specifically for this,
36:32and how they can report just in case.
36:36Okay.
36:37I would suggest first, because we don't have that, we cannot always cover everyone.
36:43So, I hope they can follow our Facebook page, search for DTI Cebu or DTI Central Visayas.
36:51And for the national scope, DTI consumer care, consumer care.
36:57So, they type it, and then all mga, what's this, mga updates on consumer rights are there.
37:04Are there, no?
37:05So, kay Karun, ang mga people are really into, ano naman dyan, no?
37:09Sa social media.
37:10Yeah.
37:10So, it's one way of educating them.
37:12And then, that's the education part.
37:14But we are also doing our part in monitoring basic necessities and prime commodities under our jurisdiction.
37:24Oh, yeah.
37:25Because there are several agencies.
37:26We have different forexers.
37:27So, there's a DA with all the veggie, agri-products, DOE for the gasoline, fuel, and LPG.
37:35So, ours is more on manufactured goods, no?
37:39So, we have, we post, man, regularly our SRP or suggested retail price.
37:45So, your question on how to report it, it is also in our Facebook pages.
37:50Depende magod where you found that, ano, no?
37:53That violation.
37:54Dili na automatic, ha?
37:55Just because he report, we will still, ano?
37:58Do the usual due diligence.
38:00Yes, sir.
38:00Check nato.
38:02So, mani, yeah, evaluate.
38:09They can actually email us some of these complaints.
38:13Now, that's r07.cebu, I'm sorry, at dti.gov.ph.
38:23But anyway, if they look for our Facebook page, our official Facebook page, you can see there our contact info.
38:29So, at least now, they know better that there are several agencies that are also managing several domains.
38:38Yes, certain products.
38:39Not the whole.
38:39The whole of, yes, under DTI, correct, sir.
38:42But, to their credit, mga Cebuano are very, ano, ha?
38:47I receive gamay na kain ng luha, tuluka, emails in a day, mga complaints.
38:53They're very, you know, they're very…
38:54In terms of reporting.
38:55Reporting, they're very vocal.
38:56And then, we have also people looking at the Facebook post.
39:00So, okay, naanin mga complaints rin na pita.
39:03And, Saga, the ORCR of the…
39:07You know?
39:08Oh, yeah.
39:09Yeah, thank you.
39:10Sorry.
39:11Prenda ba nga ito ng LTO?
39:12But, you know, the Zarya.
39:13So, some of the complaints that come our way are…
39:16Ana-ana nga mga, ano…
39:18Deligued, actually, DTI.
39:20But, they probably thought that it's under DTI's jurisdiction.
39:25So, that's why we refer them.
39:27Okay, naan.
39:27We just…
39:28We are the…
39:29No wrong door policy.
39:32Especially if…
39:32Really, it's for consumer protection.
39:35So…
39:35I don't know.
39:36I refer the proper agency.
39:38So, maanang need ka, sir, mag-collaborate.
39:40And, especially with…
39:42I was…
39:42Like, before the program started, ang story at, ano?
39:44We don't have really much budget sa DTI.
39:47We're just…
39:47What did they say?
39:480.14% of…
39:50Not even 1% of the budget.
39:52So, there's not much resources.
39:53So, how can we, ano?
39:55How can we implement our programs?
39:57The only way to do that is…
39:58Collaboration.
39:59Collaborate.
39:59Okay.
39:59Layla yung resources.
40:00When we, ano…
40:01Ipapo na ito, pull together,
40:03mas dagantang ma-accomplish.
40:07And, finally…
40:08Yes, finally.
40:09At this time, ba?
40:11In which…
40:12Of course, they were always saying,
40:14every challenge is a chance to pivot, no?
40:17Yes, sir.
40:17For people to also see the possibilities that we can explore, given the challenge.
40:24But, for now, that more families and more businesses are also feeling the pain, no?
40:31Or the struggle to stay afloat, no?
40:35What would be your message to them?
40:51Okay.
40:51Realism, but at the same time, optimism or confidence, no?
40:55So, realism, recognizing that times are hard, no?
41:00And the struggle get many of our families.
41:04But at the same time, there's still hope, yeah?
41:07Optimism, and there's confidence.
41:08Because we've, we've been through, we've been through this.
41:11It's a lot harder.
41:12It's a lot harder.
41:13It's a lot harder.
41:15It's a lot harder.
41:26It's an internal, no?
41:27And maybe next time, that's my cue.
41:29And R.D. Hope may…
41:32Do with her own message of hope.
41:35And we will do what we can to support our constituents or our clients, main clients, MSMEs and consumers.
41:49We do what we can, and then we will also try as much as we can to collaborate with partners
41:56that would like, that are in agreement with us.
42:01And we will maximize our resources, I'm sure, I'm so happy that we're in Cebu, there's no shortage, sir, no?
42:09In fact, we will be celebrating our Cebu Business Month, and I'm wearing my jacket, Ron, because the theme is
42:15Padayon.
42:16There's this, Mona, sir, Padayon is a very apt call for us, Cebuanos.
42:25That's the last shout that we do, no? And I want to adopt the DTI in our press releases.
42:32We put it there, Padayon, Padayon, Cebu.
42:36So, can I, sir, Mona, it's the message.
42:38Sige, thank you very much for joining us today.
42:41One of the reasons for the benefit of our viewers that I'm very interested to have a conversation with Director
42:48Maribic,
42:48it's because no offense meant for those who are employed, no?
42:52Because I was also a corporate guy myself.
42:54But now that I'm an entrepreneur, I see the value of its multiplying effect now.
43:00Because when we are employed, it's just myself and my immediate family or my circle in which I can share
43:08the opportunity.
43:09But once we become employers, it multiplies to several other families.
43:14So, I'm glad we have this conversation and I hope that our viewers would be more inspired to take the
43:20entrepreneurial road.
43:22I think you want to say something.
43:23I think you said it very nicely, sir.
43:26And I'll remind you as the employer, as a business person.
43:33So, we hope to also continue supporting you and your sector, sir.
43:37So, thank you very much once again.
43:39Thank you for having me.
43:41And more conversations in the future.
43:43Sige.
43:44Behind discussions on prices, policies, and economic programs are ordinary people waking up every day,
43:52trying to earn honestly, sustain businesses, provide for families, and hold on to hope despite the uncertainty.
44:01To everyone watching, stay informed, support local, protect your rights as consumers, and continue believing that even during difficult times,
44:12progress remains possible.
44:15I'm DJ Moises.
44:16This is Beyond the Headlines.
44:17Thank you for joining us this afternoon.
44:19See you again tomorrow.
44:58I'm DJ Moises.
45:01I'm DJ Moises.
45:01If you're thinking you'll becription to fare.
45:04If you're thinking big.
45:04You
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