The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) distributed business kits to 32 micro entrepreneurs from Paluan and Abra de Ilog towns during the recent “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” caravan in the municipality of Mamburao.

DTI Regional Director Amormio Benter said the 552,924 business kits, under the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (NSB) program, aim to assist micro entrepreneurs or small businesses with assets not exceeding PHP3 million.

“The kits will help micro businesses sustain their operations and continue growing,” Benter said during the distribution on Sept. 13, as quoted in a news release of the Philippine Information Agency.

Benter added that more entrepreneurs will be reached under the program in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiatives to assist local communities.

DTI Provincial Director Noel Flores said the NSB program began during the pandemic to help struggling businesses recover.

Seeing its positive impact, DTI continued the initiative by providing equipment and supplies tailored to the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises.

Flores said PHP1.5 million worth of business kits has been allotted for distribution this year.

Among the beneficiaries were Paluan fish vendor Jocelyn Panteras, who received an ice chest cooler, and retail store owner with disability Mary Ann Arcilla Fabrero, who received assorted groceries worth PHP14,900.

To qualify for NSB assistance, micro entrepreneurs must have a business permit and be registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise program. (PNA)