Six partner cooperators in Pampanga received equipment and machinery from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, aimed at boosting productivity and supporting local enterprises.
Among the beneficiaries was the San Fernando Lantern Makers Association, which received machines worth ₱978,555, followed by the Sweet and Delicacies Association of Pampanga with ₱640,000 worth of assistance, and the Paroba Matamo Livelihood Business Agriculture Association, which received ₱456,000 worth of equipment.
Also included were Kabuhayan ng mga Kabarangay Tungo sa Tagumpay, which received ₱281,000 worth of handicrafts production and processing machines; the Talete King Panyulung Kapampangan Foundation, which was granted ₱248,100 worth of sealers and a shrink tunnel; and the Domalouis Farmers Association, Inc., which received ₱220,000 worth of water hyacinth and seagrass production, weaving, and processing equipment.
During the turnover ceremony, DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio congratulated the cooperators for their effective management of their respective SSF projects and assured them of the agency’s continued support even after the formal turnover.
Ordonio explained that the DTI maintains an usufruct agreement with partner cooperators for up to two years to monitor proper use of the equipment, employment generation, and sales growth before the facilities are fully donated to the beneficiaries. She emphasized that monitoring and support will continue to ensure the program’s objectives are met.
She added that DTI will also provide further assistance through consultations, market matching, and participation in trade fairs, while encouraging cooperators to report operational concerns for timely intervention.
Ordonio likewise underscored the importance of environmental sustainability, urging beneficiaries to sustain greening initiatives and adopt green economic development practices.
Aside from the SSF turnover, DTI awarded packaging and labeling design prototypes to 12 cooperatives to enhance product marketability and consumer recall. Two micro, small, and medium enterprises—Lola Puring’s Food Products and Jejen S.W.E. Enterprises—were also granted Halal Certification.
Ordonio encouraged existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to avail of DTI services, including training, capacity building, and various business development programs.
Photo caption:
DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio congratulates the recipients of the Shared Service Facilities and reminds them of the agency’s continued monitoring and support.
