SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in this province, in partnership with the Small Business Corp. (SBC), aims to provide financial opportunities to at least 180 businessmen, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Robert Bastillos, president and CEO of SBC, said their loan programs can help entrepreneurs “grow their business from micro to small businesses or small to medium-sized businesses.”

Bastillos said the SBC, a government-owned company that serves as the financing arm of the DTI, has been organizing roadshows to meet the financing needs of SMEs.

He recently said they held a regional roadshow in this province as part of the celebration of National MSME Week on July 17, 2024.

“We saw over 180 participants including entrepreneurs and partners from the government and private sector who attended the event and showed interest in the SBC program for expanding financial opportunities,” he said.

Bastillos also noted that during the orientation of SBC’s current loan, a ceremonial awarding of approved loan applications took place.

SMEs were assisted with on-site online registration of borrowers, business advisory services, and mobile registration for Business Name and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises or BMBE, with the assistance of DTI’s technical staff and junior business advisors.

Dr. John Octavious Palina, Chairman of the Provincial MSME Development Council, agreed with the SBC leaders and thanked the DTI and SBC for initiating the roadshow.

“It was a valuable activity. We all share the same belief in entrepreneurial development, which will also help improve the economic status of Nueva Vizcaya,” Palina said.

Michael Paggabao, Provincial Director of DTI Nueva Vizcaya, challenged the SMEs and stressed that the roadshow provided more opportunities to maintain Nueva Vizcaya’s impressive economic performance as one of the fastest growing provinces in the country.

“We encourage participants to invest in the manufacturing and value-added sectors because of their significant potential,” Paggabao said.

He said the roadshow “provided valuable financial opportunities and fostered a spirit of cooperation and support among the Nueva Vizcaya business community, contributing to the province’s continued economic growth.”

Roland Carub, board member of the Nueva Vizcaya North district, said there are financial programs and assistance under the governor’s office, and how different agencies such as the DTI can work together to improve these interventions.