BUTUAN CITY – With the aim of providing assistance and support to the Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) especially those who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry Agusan del Norte (DTI ADN) through its Negosyo Centers (NCs) in Butuan City and in the province of Agusan del Norte has continuously campaigned and appealed to the local government units (LGUs)  for the issuance of the Buy Local Executive Order in their respective LGUs.

According to DTI ADN provincial director Lorejane D. Sacote, the campaign made by the NCs resulted to the province of Agusan del Norte’s first two municipalities’ issuance of an Executive Order (EO).

“The ‘Buy Local, Go Lokal’ campaign is a national media campaign that aims to help Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to assist MSMEs to create opportunities for their recovery and growth through the issuance of such executive order,” Sacote said.

Mayor Ramon M. Calo of the Local Government Unit of Carmen signed EO No. 14, series of 2022 on October 12, and Mayor Joselito T. Roble of the Local Government Unit of Buenavista also signed EO No. 93, series of 2022 on September 5 supporting the Buy Local products and services campaign. 

As   commonlystated in their EOs, the LGUs of Carmen and Buenavista have an approximately 86 and 1,431 MSMEs, respectively. These MSMEs are into manufacturing/processing, that make up atleast 10.4 percent and 10.55% of the total number of registered businesses in the municipalities.

Also, the buy local EOs prescribed at least 10% of the total procurement value of goods and services supplied to the LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs), and other agencies holding offices in the locality must be solely devoted to locally-produced goods and services.

“The ‘Buy Local, Go Lokal’ revolves around the powerful message for our countrymen to support Philippine MSMEs by shifting  the buying pattern towards the consumption and purchase of Philippine fresh produce and manufactured goods. The campaign will help stimulate and boost domestic-level trade, while encouraging Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine-owned and operated facilities and services,” Sacote added.

Because of the importance of the campaign, Sacote encourages the masses to purchase local brands and support local establishments to boost MSMEs' growth and provide more job opportunities in the community. (photo by DTI ADN/NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)