DTI-Cebu targets to roll out P19M worth of SSF to SMEs

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry-Cebu said it will start to roll out this month the shared service facilities (SSFs) under the 2015 program, aimed for common use of community-based cooperatives in Cebu.

DTI-Cebu said it targets to give 18 SFFs worth P19.1 million to Cebu small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Ma. Carminda Kho, SSF focal person, said yesterday the agency will start to roll out the 18 this month even if it still has to launch two more SSFs under the 2014 program.

DTI-Central Visayas (DTI-7) previously said the unused 2014 funds are being spent to finance this year’s SFFs for Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The budget is worth P36.6 million.

Kho clarified that about half of the 18 proposed SSFs for Cebu are still being evaluated by the department.

Some of them still need a business plan from the proponents and evaluation and are in the equipment procurement process.

Meanwhile, DTI-Cebu is turning over today a P2.6-milion worth of SSF to members of the Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center and farmers in Naga City, Cebu. The DTI said the facility is designed to produce virgin coconut oil.

Farmer cooperatives in towns of Sibonga, Aloguinsan, Carmen, Compostela, Samboan, Alegria, Minglanilla and Carcar Ctiy are among those already provided with SSFs by DTI.

The SSF program aims to address certain production gaps among SMEs and increase productivity using machinery under a shared system.