VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — Some 68 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ilocos Sur received livelihood kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Ilocos on Monday under its “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa” program to help them recover after the impacts of Super Typhoon Egay.

DTI-Ilocos Sur Provincial Director Charie Quodala further said, “This program started during the pandemic, specifically to aid and to help all business owners because many lost their livelihood during this time.

The kits that were provided to the beneficiaries from this city and the towns of Caoayan, Cabugao, Cervantes, Bantay, Magsingal, and San Juan, among others, were funded by the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

“Everything we will turn over to you (beneficiaries) are those that you requested. Of course, our DTI staff will visit you from time to time because the government needs to see that the kits were used for your development,” Quodala added.

The MSMEs received various equipment and materials such as loom weaving supplies, sacks of rice, gas stoves and tanks, ratan tables, heaters, rice cookers, and food containers.

She also explained that all recipients underwent training to ensure that they could manage the assistance provided to them.

Meanwhile, DTI Ilocos Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan hoped that this blessing would be put to good use for the sake of their families and for their businesses to prosper.

Melvin Quintos, owner of the Atinaja-Quintos Souvenir Shop from Camanggaan, Vigan City said, “I am thankful to the DTI, to the provincial government, the city government, and Senator Go. These supplies will help us a lot after the pandemic and the series of typhoons we went through.”

Moreover, representatives from the Office of Senator Go also distributed face masks, balls for volleyball and basketball, shirts, and two pairs of shoes to lucky recipients. (JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)