The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has asked for the provision of P1 billion for the implementation of two of its key projects for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In the DTI proposed budget for 2025, the Office of the Secretary has included special provisions which calls for the implementation of its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program in the amount of P599.46 million and for the establishment and management of Negosyo Centers at a cost P454.26 million.
The DTI said the budget for the SSFs will be used for projects that aim to improve the quality and productivity of MSMEs.
The agency said the program’s implementation shall be primarily based on priority industry clusters identified by the DTI in consultation with key stakeholders.
The SSF is a pioneering strategy of DTI in 2013 which aims to address gap in the innovation capacities of MSMEs.
Upon the procurement of the equipment for the SSF, the DTI shall turn over the management thereof to the cooperators, which shall commit to shoulder maintenance and repair costs upon acceptance. After the period of two years, the DTI may either transfer ownership of the SSF to the cooperators that demonstrated successful management of the facilities; extend the usufruct period for another two years if the cooperator needs additional period to establish the successful operation of the SSF; or transfer the management of the SSF equipment to another cooperator for failure to secure, operate, properly maintain, or repair the SSF equipment upon acceptance.
From July 2022 to April 2024, 188 SSFs and 7 FabLabs have been established, assisting 56,594 MSMEs and generating 69,249 employment opportunities.
The DTI’s Negosyo Centers meanwhile have played a crucial role in assisting MSMEs, providing various technical services such as business registration assistance, advisory services, trade promotion, and financing facilitation.
In 2023, these centers assisted 522,535 MSMEs and 904,033 clients.
