DTI earmarks P17.3M for SSF projects in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines -  The Department of Trade and Industry has already approved P17.3 million worth of shared service facility (SSF) projects in Central Visayas this year.

The DTI is yet to approve other SSF projects worth P15.7 million, showed a project report obtained by The FREEMAN from its regional office.

The Trade department has allocated P36.6 million budget for SSF in Region 7 this year. The budget was taken from the unused 2014 SSF funds.

There are at least 34 proposed SSF projects for Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental, benefiting some 33 cities and municipalities in the region.

The projects are designed for industries such as food processing, tourism, furniture, dairy, loom weaving, handicrafts and decors, abaca and creative, among others.

The projects that are up for approval still need project proposal and business plan from the proponents; while those already approved are in the procurement and bidding process.

The DTI data indicated that three SSFs are set for delivery in Bohol and one is scheduled for launching in Cebu, Boljoon within the month.

The Trade agency had allocated P29.6 million from 2013 funds for 78 SSFs in the region for last year. The data also indicated most of these SSFs are already operating, some are not and one project is up yet for launching.

The agency’s SSF program seeks to address production gaps among small and medium enterprises. It aims to raise productivity among SMEs particularly community-based cooperatives by providing them equipment and skills under a shared system. (FREEMAN)