The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman emphasized the importance of strategic investments in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the design sector in steering economic growth.

“As one of the key industries identified in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028, strengthening the design sector is one of our foremost priorities," Secretary Pangandaman said as she delivered the keynote address in "PAGSIBOL: A Gala Night Celebrating Philippine Design Excellence,” held at the National Museum of Natural History on October 19, 2023.

The budget chief likewise shared that the national government has allocated P784 million from the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget for the MSME development program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Spearheaded by DTI - Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), PAGSIBOL also recognized the innovations and originality of Philippine products for the global market through the KATHA awards led by First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos.

The event was attended by buyers, exhibitors, government officials, diplomatic corps, and business communities.

CITEM executive director, Dr. Edward L. Fereira, DTI Undersecretary Ana Carolina P. Sanchez, DBM Undersecretary Margaux V. Salcedo, and Philippine Airlines' President and CEO captain Stanley Ng also attended the occasion. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)