The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo awarded Shared Service Facility (SSF) grants to various cooperatives and organizations on Nov. 13, aimed at strengthening local industries and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The grant, part of DTI’s ongoing SSF initiative, provides cooperatives and associations with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance production efficiency and quality.
“This program demonstrates DTI’s commitment to empowering communities by providing the tools necessary to improve competitiveness and create more economic opportunities,” a DTI representative stated.
The beneficiaries include associations involved in agriculture, food processing, and other local industries, aligning with Iloilo’s thrust toward sustainable development and job generation.
DTI highlighted that the SSF initiative not only equips organizations with modern machinery but also encourages innovation and collaboration within the community.
The program also supports inclusive growth by enabling micro and small enterprises to access resources previously beyond their reach.
Representatives of the recipient cooperatives expressed gratitude, emphasizing how the grant would positively impact their operations.
“With this equipment, we can now process our products faster and ensure higher quality, which is crucial for reaching bigger markets,” said one beneficiary.
The SSF project aligns with the government’s broader goal of strengthening local value chains and enhancing competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
Since its inception, the SSF program has benefited numerous industries across the Philippines, fostering economic growth in underserved areas.
DTI Iloilo continues to engage with local stakeholders to identify sectors that could benefit from future SSF grants.
By focusing on capability building, the initiative reinforces the province’s position as a hub for innovation and industry in Western Visayas.
