CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pampanga Branch noted that Kapampangans are becoming more interested in entrepreneurship during the recently concluded Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Caravan held at the Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol Compound.
Elenita Ordoño, director of DTI Pampanga said they only expected some 100 pre-registered participants, yet the final number of registered attendees reached 165.
“We are very glad that plenty of Kapampangans are becoming business-minded and resourceful,” Ordoño shared.
Ordoño, who is also a native of this city, has just been assigned to the province and previously served the people of Zambales.
“I am glad for being transferred here and be able to serve my fellow Kapampangans. It’s very satisfying to know that the people of Pampanga are still resilient and have become more self-reliant,” Ordoño added.
DTI Pampanga has sponsored the SME Caravan aiming to enhance entrepreneurial skills specifically in Online Marketing, Financing, Product Development, and Innovation Management, all chosen by participants.
Sessions were led by Jonnadeth Coja of Purplebug, Inc., Arnel Zaldua of Philippine Credit Finance Corporation, Designer James Arnold Non, and Motivational Speaker Ricardo de Vera.
Board Member Monina “Monz” Laus, chairperson of the province’s Committee in Trade and Industry, together with Board Member Raul Macalino addressed the participants and vowed the provincial government’s continuous support with this kind of endeavors.
According to the legislators, the provincial government is constantly seeking for ways to support aspiring Kapampangan entrepreneurs.
Currently, the Capitol through the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) provides financial assistance for individuals or groups interested in establishing their own business. Loans with minimum to no-interest rates are provided by the PCEDO, as well as other financial grants.
“In behalf of our Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, the provincial government commends the Department of Trade and Industry for launching this SME Caravan and assisting the business-minded Kapampangans. We also commend the attendees for participating in productive activities such as this event,” Laus added. (Angelique Tuazon, PIO Pampanga)
