The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 delivered vital business development services during the “LAB for ALL” initiative led by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on April 29 at the Municipal Evacuation Center in New Lucena, Iloilo.
The multi-agency caravan provided comprehensive government services to local residents, underscoring the administration’s strategy to combine health and economic assistance for community upliftment.
First Lady Araneta-Marcos, who teaches law at West Visayas State University and considers Iloilo her “second home,” emphasized the administration’s commitment to reaching underserved communities through integrated service delivery.
A key highlight of DTI’s involvement was the awarding of PHP3.4 million in loan grants to five local entrepreneurs through the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), the agency’s financing arm.
“This initiative represents the core of our mission at DTI Region 6 – to ensure that no entrepreneur is left behind in our journey toward regional economic development,” said Regional Director Rachel Nufable. “We’re bringing the full force of DTI’s resources directly to entrepreneurs who need them most.”
DTI Assistant Secretary Domingo Tolentino and Regional Director Nufable joined other national and regional officials in supporting the event’s aim to democratize access to innovation, technology, and business support.
The DTI team offered on-site services including Business Name Registration, Negosyo Center consultations, financing facilitation, and intellectual property guidance.
DTI’s delegation included Iloilo Provincial Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo, along with SB Corp’s Wilfe Jimogaon and Intellectual Property Office representative Marianne Tajanlangit-Bebit.
The “LAB for ALL” caravan also featured agencies such as the Department of Health, PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Land Transportation Office, National Housing Authority, Public Attorney’s Office, TESDA, Food and Drug Administration, and the Senate Public Assistance Office.
The Iloilo stop marked the final leg before a temporary pause for the election period. DTI Region 6 affirmed its commitment to future participation in the initiative across Western Visayas to strengthen local enterprises and economic resilience.
