“As we move forward, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and all the stakeholders in advancing a more inclusive and competitive localeconomy” – Sec Roque

CITY OF MALOLOS – “As we move forward, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with the
Provincial Government of Bulacan, and all the stakeholders in advancing a more inclusive and
competitive local economy. Together, we can foster sustainable growth and innovation that benefits
every Bulakenyo.”
This was Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque’s response to Bulakenyo
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during a dialogue on “DTI goes to the Regions” Caravan
held at the grounds of the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) yesterday.
After addressing some of the business-related concerns and challenges faced by MSMEs, Secretary
Roque reminded them about the key initiatives under the presidential mandate for MSME development,
such as the digitalization to broaden market reach, diversification to strengthen competitiveness, and
expedited financing to enable entrepreneurs to access loans more quickly for business expansion.
She also explained that these efforts are the driving force behind the MSME Caravan, which aims to
bring government support and opportunities directly to local businesses.
“We must take advantage of the programs that DTI has for the entire country and for your region. That’s
why we’re holding this caravan, to actually tell you what programs we have for each and every sector of
the MSMEs and also of the large enterprises,” she added.
Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office Department Head Atty. Jayric L. Amil
discussed the PGB’s ongoing projects to give support to MSME’s growth including Go Koop Program,
Tatak Bulakenyo Program, Integrated Applied Management for MSEs (A AM MSE Program), Go Asenso,
Negosyo Caravan, and initiatives including the Enterprise Capacity Building, Bayanihang Bulakenyo
Financing Program for MSEs, Technical and Management Assistance, Marketing and Promotion through
the Bulacan Pasalubong Center, TOP Philippines Hub, Trade Fair and Exhibits, and Product Development
through the Bulacan Packaging Service and Toll Packaging Center; while the President of Bulacan
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Corina T. Bautista also presented their projects including the
Trees For Life Project, Adopt-a-chamber program, Bulacan Food Fair and Exposition (BUFFEX), Invest
Bulacan Summit 2024, and their 2024 award including the Most Outstanding Bulacan Businessmen.
The event was also attended by Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino, DTI officials including
Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef G. Chua, Undersecretary Joee Guilas; DTI Regional
Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, DTI Regional Operations Group Assistant
Secretary Domingo R. Tolentino, Jr., DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary
Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, DTI Small Business Corporation President and CEO Robert C. Bastillo, DTI Office of the Assistant Secretary Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero, DTI Fair
Trade Group/Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Atty. Regino D. Mallari, Jr, PCCI Regional Governor
Cristina C. Tuzon, and BCCI President Corina T. Bautista.

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