The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday launched a PHP3-billion loan facility for Filipino exporters to support production expansion and equipment upgrades to boost global competitiveness.
The program comes as Philippine exports sustained their growth in January, rising 7.9 percent to USD7.1 billion after reaching a record USD84.41 billion in 2025, driven by strong demand for electronics, minerals and agro-based products.
Speaking at the launch at the DTI office in Makati City, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said “the financing program ensures that exporters have the resources to sustain this growth and expand into new markets.”
The facility adds to other financing programs of the DTI, including the PHP2-billion Negosyo Fund for Overseas Filipino Workers and a loan program for women entrepreneurs, which has so far released about PHP2 billion in loans.
Roque said the OFW facility aims to help workers build businesses and recover from unforeseen circumstances.
The exporters’ loan program will be available starting March 12, 2026, offering loans ranging from PHP30,000 to PHP20 million.
Meanwhile, the loan facility for women entrepreneurs targets mostly micro and small enterprises, which make up the majority of businesses in the country.
During the event, Roque also awarded checks worth around PHP21.6 million to 15 women-led businesses as part of the government’s effort to empower women entrepreneurs. (PNA)
