The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided skills training on jam and confectionery making to a total of 18 housewives at Barangay San Francisco West in Anao, Tarlac.

DTI OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo said the training aims to empower the beneficiaries as drivers of economic productivity in their area.

“Considering the recipients are homemakers, we thought of a skill they could apply within their homes while utilizing their available, affordable, and readily available raw materials with marketable output,” she added.

The agency’s initiative generated a sustainable livelihood for the housewives with easy and accessible materials.

During the activity, the participants learned how to make pastillas, polvoron, and jam using ube, mango and coconut as the key ingredients.

Meanwhile, Business Counselor Krizia Anne Dela Cruz offered the free programs and services of DTI on business development through the Negosyo Centers.

Maytala Foronda, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to DTI for the support and opportunity to improve their life.

“This training is a big help to all of us. Thank you because you taught us how to start our own source of income,” Foronda stated.

The conduct of skills training is among the thrusts of DTI to encourage potential and budding entrepreneurs to venture into business, and to spur growth and development in the local economy. (PIA Region 3-Tarlac)