The Ilocos Norte provincial government, through its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Office (MSMEO), continues to empower businesses and help improve the lives of entrepreneurs and their families.

On Monday, a total of 358 MSME beneficiaries received PHP5,000 each, amounting to PHP1.79 million, as part of the final tranche of the ongoing livelihood assistance program to small business owners and start-ups to grow their operations this year.

In December last year, the same beneficiaries received their initial release of PHP5,000, intended for business registration and the physical improvement of the establishment.

For Judelyn Martinez, a souvenir vendor from Pagudpud town, the PHP10,000 cash assistance she received from the provincial government was a “big help” in keeping her business going.

“I was able to renew my business permit because of the cash assistance program,” Martinez said, adding that the final PHP5,000 tranche was used to purchase raw materials for her small business.

In 2025, MSMEO supported a total of 569 beneficiaries. Each received PHP10,000, released in installments or as first and final tranches.

Since the rollout of the program during the pandemic, MSMEO head Elma Gabriel said the program has been prioritizing small-scale businesses engaged in manufacturing, handicrafts, retail, and services, owned by women, poverty-stricken individuals, the elderly, and physically challenged individuals.

Interested applicants can apply for cash aid at the Ilocos Norte MSME Incubation Center on the second floor of La Tabacalera, or through their local government coordinator. (PNA)