The Department of Trade and Industry – Caraga’s (DTI-13) Diskwento Caravan (DC) in the region last year has generated total sales of PHP5,757,913.

DTI-13 Information Officer Mike Ariel Plaza said on Tuesday the activity was led by DTI-13 Regional Director Gay Tidalgo and was participated in by at least 40 representatives from the media and civil society organizations (CSOs).

In her presentation on Monday’s media briefing and CSO consultation, Tidalgo said a total of 18 manufacturers from the region joined the different DC activities in 2021 and served around 4,788 household beneficiaries.

Seven DC activities were done in the region last year, the most successful one was facilitated at the Gaisano Capital Surigao in Surigao City last September 8 to 12 during the celebration of “Karajawan nan Surigao” Provincial Trade Expo 2021.

“The DC is a DTI initiative conducted nationwide that aims to provide reasonably-priced quality products to the consuming public,” Tidalgo said.

She added that the program was in partnership with the manufacturers and distributors of necessities and prime commodities and the local government units in the region.

The consultation also highlighted the establishment of 185 Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) in the region.

The SSF is a flagship project of the DTI aimed at improving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) productivity, and efficiency through better access to technology.

“The DTI-13 also presented its strategic directions for 2022-2023 during the media and CSO consultation,” Plaza said.

He pointed out that the agency’s directions focused on the areas of export and investment development; industry development; MSME development; consumer protection; and consumer education and advocacy programs. (PNA)