DTI lauds contributions of OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauded the contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in nation building and economic progress.

“More than generating foreign exchanges through their remittances, OFWs can become future entrepreneurs and in the process also generate jobs and livelihood opportunities,” said Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.

DTI is one agency of the government mandated to champion business and consumers. It also has regulatory functions that focus on ensuring the best value for money of consumers. Some programs and projects championing SMEs are the Diskwento Caravan, SME Caravan, marketing promotion and assistance and the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP).   

The DTI provides an enabling environment conducive to the development, promotion and sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises. Programs and projects conducted support SME development in the areas of marketing and product development/promotion, entrepreneurial development, credit brokering and investment promotion like the Diskwento Caravan, Bagwis Program, Trade and Industry Law Enforcement and Accredited Consumer Organizations.

“What started out in Metro Manila as a program to ease the burden of our consumers has now been expanded nationwide upon orders of President Aquino,” Domingo said. DTI aims to organize 100 Diskwento Caravan by end of this year. In its first installment at the Sentro K3, the Diskwento Caravan contracted a huge following of consumers looking for discounted products while enjoying the celebration. Diskwento Caravan manufacturers sell their products as low as 20 percent to 50 percent off the suggested retail price (SRP).

Products range from medicines, bread, sardines, cooking oils, processed meat, fruits, vegetables, eggs, detergent bars and school supplies. The Diskwento Caravan started out in 2008 to help ease the economic burden of Filipino consumers during the global financial crisis.

For June 2011, the Diskwento Caravan will be in Cagayan, Zambales, Tarlac, Laguna, Antipolo, Region IV-B, Sorsogon, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Region VIII, Region XI, Taguig, Malabon, Pateros and the city of Manila.