BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Apayao Provincial Office awarded the last wave of livelihood kits in the province this year.

DTI-Apayao OIC-Provincial Director Wena Buston and Luna Mayor Josephine Bangsil with Dagupan Barangay Kagawad Lilibeth Agraan led the distribution of livelihood kits to 180 beneficiaries from the 19 barangays of Luna town last week.

The livelihood kits awarded include packages for loom weaving, handicraft making, furniture manufacturing, coffee processing, construction services, dressmaking/tailoring, salon / barber shop, massage services, carinderia, food processing, agribusiness and trading.

The DTI reported that for this 2022, a total of 480 beneficiaries from the different municipalities of were awarded with various livelihood kits amounting to P3, 840,000.00 under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program.

Buston who discussed the PPG program said this is one of the interventions of the government particularly to micro, small, and medium enterprises who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The kits containing materials, equipment, and initial stocks will help them start anew or improve their businesses. She also presented other DTI programs available for MSMEs.

Jessa Lyka Pangdan, Small Business Corporation’s Loan Officer assigned in Apayao also discussed the  details of  its  RISE UP Multi-purpose Loan  wherein MSMEs can apply for loan between  P10,000  to P5 million to help them sustain their business. SB Corp  is the  financing arm of the DTI.

Bangsil thanked the DTI for the continued support to the entrepreneurs of Luna.She challenged the beneficiaries to sustain their businesses through the livelihood assistance provided to them. (JDP/RMC-PIA CAR)