Some 10 members of the indigenous peoples (IP) community in Adams, Ilocos Norte on Friday received Negosyo Starter Kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

They were among the latest beneficiaries of the DTI’s continuing Livelihood Seeding Program that assists budding entrepreneurs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and calamities.

DTI Director Rosario Quodala said each beneficiary received PHP8,000-worth of “sari-sari” (retail) store, food service, and wine processing kits during the awarding ceremony at the municipal gymnasium.

Lynette Jane Cascayan, who is into food business and sells online, said in a Facebook post that she feels “super blessed” for being part of the DTI program.

After attending the Business Expense and Savings Training program on June 10 and 11, DTI Ilocos Norte handed her some cooking wares, stove, tables, and chairs where she can display her food menu for customers.

Cascayan said she can’t wait to try her new kitchen wares as she will be offering more gastronomic treats available in her small eatery, both for tourists and neighborhood clients.

“Thank you so much DTI Ilocos Norte and also to the local government unit of Adams for the outpouring of blessings,” she posted.

To ensure that the beneficiaries are not recipients of other government amelioration programs, DTI conducted a thorough profiling and interview.

The DTI likewise launched the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay program in Ilocos Norte’s fourth to sixth income classification municipalities to increase access to trade and industry promotion and development.

Some of the on-site services offered are business registration assistance and advisories on product development. (PNA)