DTI VI to assist workers, MSMEs in Boracay Island

DTI VI OIC Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon leads the discussion on what actions and initiatives to be undertaken by the agency to the affected MSMEs on the impending closure of Boracay Island starting April 26.

The Department of Trade and Industry has set its eyes in providing assistance to affected workers and displaced micro, small and medium entrepreneurs with the looming six-month closure of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebeca M. Rascon said that the agency has identified initiatives to cushion the impact to workers and entrepreneurs of the island’s impending shutdown starting on April 26.

The DTI, also the lead agency in the establishment of the Operations Center/ One-Stop Shop in Boracay Island, has identified activities that may provide workers alternative income and other alternative markets for the MSMEs.

These activities include the mounting of Boracay Island Festivals in Manila; mounting of kiosks in airports and jetty ports, malls, and Go Lokal! Stores to exhibit local products of Boracay Island.

Aside from these, the DTI will launch the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay and come up with trainings, coaching and mentoring on business opportunities, online marketing seminar, and financial assistance through the Pondo para sa Pagbagago at Pag-asenso, among others.

“We have to engage the stakeholders to other opportunities during the island’s shutdown and prepare them for sustainable livelihood possibilities,” said DTI VI OIC Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon.

The Operations Center/One-Stop Shop is located at the public plaza in Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. It will be manned by the DTI together with personnel from DOLE, DENR, DOT, DILG, DSWD and other concerned agencies.