DTI turns over livelihood kits to 40 typhoon-hit MSMEs in Sorsogon

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided livelihood assistance to 40 beneficiaries in Sorsogon to help their businesses recover from the adverse effects of typhoons.

Each livelihood kit, valued at P10,000, was distributed to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the municipalities of Barcelona, Bulusan, Castilla, Donsol, Gubat, Irosin, Magallanes, Pilar, Prieto Diaz, Sta. Magdalena, and Sorsogon City.

According to DTI Sorsogon Provincial Director Malou Pancho, this targeted assistance was designed for the specific needs of each business.

“This intervention aims to help micro-enterprises resume operations, enhance productivity, and restore their primary sources of income after disruptions caused by calamities,” she said.

The livelihood kits included a variety of items: 29 food processing sets, 2 sets for processing dried fish, 5 handicraft sets, and 3 sets for woodcraft/carpentry.

Pancho said that the contents of the livelihood kits were determined based on the assessments conducted by DTI to identify the actual needs of the MSMEs.

Food processors received equipment such as stainless steel work tables and tabletop ovens, while handicraft producers were provided with tools, including sewing machines.

She emphasized that DTI does not distribute cash; instead, it offers in-kind assistance to ensure proper utilization and sustainability of the support provided.

Since its implementation, the PPG Program has assisted over 3,000 MSMEs across priority industries in Sorsogon, including food processing, handicrafts, health and wellness, and manufacturing.

In addition to providing equipment support, beneficiaries participate in capacity-building seminars, receive technical assistance, and undergo regular monitoring to ensure the effective and sustained use of the assistance.

One beneficiary, Charmaine Marvida, owner of Kikik’s Tropical Ice Cream, shared how the support will significantly improve her business operations.

“I’m so grateful to the DTI for providing me with the stainless work table and weighing scale. These will help ensure that our preparation processes become cleaner, of higher quality, and more efficient,” said Marvida, whose kiosks are located at SM Sorsogon City, SM Legazpi, and Ayala Malls.

She also highlighted the impact of typhoons on ice cream sales during cold and rainy seasons, making government support particularly crucial for new entrepreneurs like her.

Similarly, Chris John Enguerra Endaya, owner of Inasal-Ni-Juan Grill and Restaurant in Barcelona and Gubat, expressed his appreciation for the program, describing the livelihood kits as a vital boost for businesses struggling to recover from calamities such as typhoons, floods, and fires.

“With the kits we receive, we are confident that we can recover from the adverse effects of past calamities,” Endaya said. (Mavic Aringo contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)