Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental who were hit by floods and other disasters could seek livelihood assistance through the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“MSMEs such as sari-sari stores and bakeries, and any registered businesses up to PHP3 million in assets excluding land, are qualified to apply for PPG, granting that they pass the requirements,” Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson, told Philippine News Agency on Monday.

Bato, however, stressed that only those with business permits and registration with the DTI are qualified.

They should also present certification from the local government unit (LGU) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office that they were affected by a disaster.

She admitted that the processing of applications may take a while due to documentary requirements and a limited budget.

The DTI-Negros Oriental is currently profiling some 30 MSMEs from the towns of Zamboanguita and Siaton that were hit by flash floods in September.

Each beneficiary is expected to receive between PHP8,000 and PHP15,000 in assistance, depending on the DTI’s assessment of the damage, Bato said.

Meanwhile, profiling was also done in Canlaon City for those affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon last June.

Most of those displaced were farmers and could not qualify for the PPG since they did not have business permits. They were referred, however, to other agencies. (PNA)