BASEY, Samar, Sept. 22 (PNA)-- The Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) is optimistic of further promoting the mat industry in
this town with the operation of Negosyo Center and Tindahang Pinoy here.
The Trade department is confident that mat weavers
and traders will benefit from these two projects. The town, a neighboring area
of Tacloban City, is currently the record holder in the Guinness Book of World
Records for the world's longest mat, locally known as banig.
A banig made up tikog leaves, is a handwoven mat
usually used in the Philippines for sleeping and sitting. The town is also
known for its woven products such as wall decorations and placemats.
“Negosyo Centers will be responsible in promoting
ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for SMEs (small and
medium enterprises), especially those who are into mat weaving and trading,”
said Meilou C. Macabare, DTI Samar provincial director.
The center, which opened on Monday, will not only
ease the process for acquisition of government-issued permits and certificates,
but will also serve as an advisory entity and provide access to financial
institutions for loan applications.
An SME Development Council, composed of public and
private sector, will be formed to oversee the operations of the Negosyo Center
and ensure that it fulfills its mandate to the people, according to Macabare.
The DTI also opened One Town One Product (OTOP)
Tindahang Pinoy, which aims to promote Philippine world-class products to
tourists and domestic buyers.
“The Tindahang Pinoy will serve as an avenue for
the globally-renowned exporters and the entrepreneurs to showcase their
products to foreign and local buyers,” she added.
Products on sale include processed food, gift and
decorative items, furniture and furnishings, fashion accessories, bags,
handicrafts.
“Local skills are used to manufacture these
products, thereby providing employment to locals,” Macabare said.
FPV/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR
No comments:
Post a Comment