DTI provides shared service facilities to Cebu’s highlands

CEBU, Philippines - Along with the promotion of Cebu hilly land areas to attract tourists, the Department of Trade and

Industry is also doing parallel livelihood programs to improve people's daily income.

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said that the agency's shared service facilities (SSF) are currently in 10 communities in the Ga-as, Balamban cluster, including some mountain barangays in Cebu City.

These communities are now enjoying increased volume orders of Abaca fibers from exporters, after the program provided Abaca stripping machine, as part of the SSF beneficiaries.

These communities, which were once known as marijuana plantations, were identified by DTI so as to provide a legitimate livelihood to the people.

With the machines, Caberte said, productivity went up significantly, resulting to higher income generation of the beneficiaries.

According to Caberte, this kind of export-support livelihood can be part of destination stops for tourism-related activities.

The SSF aims to provide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) common service facilities, modern equipment and access to latest technology.

The program also intends to make the sector more competitive to be able to tap a wider market.

“The SSF is DTI’s answer to help the government achieve its vision of inclusive growth,” said Caberte.

“More than just ensuring the continued supply of commodities in the market and ensuring prices remain reasonable, DTI’s other role, is to promote livelihood and help improve productivity of entrepreneurs, particularly the micro and small enterprises in rural areas,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City government through the Cebu City Tourism Council (CCTC) has started its Cebu highlands tourism development program, capitalizing the rich nature and environment to attract eco-tourism enthusiasts.

CCTC chairperson Tetta B. Baad announced earlier that the commission is going to officially open the "Highlands Tour" during the launching of "Lakbay Lingaw" campaign.

The total 80 barangays under the Cebu City jurisdiction, 31 of which are located in the mountains, have rich nature and environment attractions.

The Cebu City government allocated a total of P13 million for CCTC budget, about P1.3 million will be spent for nature and environment resources development. — (FREEMAN)