Business
Credits : dti.gov.ph
C
ommending the persistent efforts of
the Department of Trade and Industry
Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG)
to sustain the growth of micro, small
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in
the countryside, Secretary Ramon
Lopez stressed in his reports the
50-percent increase in MSMEs assisted
in 2018 rendering more than 900,000
services per year through ROG’s pro-
grams and initiatives, during the DTI
Press Conference at Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City
last January 11.
Guided by the 7Ms Framework of a Successful Entrepreneur – Mindset,
Mastery, Mentoring, Markets, Money, Machines, and Models – are equipped
holistically as they face increasingly competitive markets.
“DTI kept its eyes on the ball in pushing for the entrepreneurial revolution in the
countryside. Number of registered enterprises jumped from 900,000 last year to
1.39 million this year due to comprehensive programs for MSMEs. Mas maraming
na-encourage na MSME na magnegosyo at mas marami ring nag-register,” said
Secretary Lopez.
Among the many achievements last year tackled by the Trade Chief is the
Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program’s increasing number of runs totaling to 237
batches, 601 certified mentors and 5,362 mentee graduates covering 101 provinces
in the 17 Regions. While there were 15,096 Skills and Managerial/Entrepreneurship
(SME) training programs conducted and participated by 345,982 existing and
would-be MSMEs.
As of November 2018, DTI-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)
extended various types of assistance to 1,207 agrarian reform communities (ARCs)
and 153 non-ARCs. This generated total investment of P1.660 billion, total sales
P3.568 billion, generating146,561 jobs. In addition, 1,783 new MSMEs were
developed and 2,993 MSMEs were assisted.
Similarly, as a result of various initiatives and interventions in promoting and
fostering for industry development nationwide, the eight (8) national priority
industry clusters which are predominantly agri-based industries specifically, coco
coir, rubber, coffee, cacao, bamboo, palm oil, processed fruits and nuts and
wearables and homestyles, have contributed significant outcome in terms of
A
large percentage of private
establishments nationwide im-
plement the drug-free workplace
policy of the government.
The Department of Labor and
Employment’s Bureau of Working
Conditions reported over the
weekend that of the 59,380
private establishments inspected
in 2018, 57,837, or 97.4 percent,
are compliant with Department
Order No. 53-03, or the Guidelines on the Implementation
of a Drug-Free Workplace.
The order requires random drug testing of employees in all establishments in
the private sector, including their contractors and concessionaires.
Region 10 recorded the highest compliance rate at 100 percent. All of the 2,731
establishments examined by labor inspectors observe the drug-free workplace
policy.
Other regions that posted high compliance rate were Cordillera Administrative
Region, 99.9 percent; Western Visayas, 99.9 percent; Ilocos Region, 99.4 percent,
and Bicol Region, 98.9 percent.
Other regions with establishments that notably comply with the drug-free work-
place policies are Southern Tagalog, 97.9 percent; National Capital Region, 97.8
60
Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez
DTI-ROG triumphs
milestones in 2018;
plots target for 2019
bottomline indicators. A total of P2,333
million in investments and 114,547 jobs
generated from these national priority
industry, surpassing the annual targets by
107% in investments and 123% increase
in jobs.
Moreover, increasing market access for MSMEs through Product Development,
One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub and Trade Fairs, to date, 11 OTOP
Hubs were established countrywide with 7,647 MSMEs assisted, 5,465 products
developed and generated P833,822,663 sales. While ROG has organized a total of
459 Trade Fairs participated by 7,698 MSMEs with an over-all P770,200,899 sales
generated.
Also, more permanent retail outlets for MSMEs through 102 Go Lokal stores
were founded nationwide with 347 registered suppliers and P65 million sales
generated.
Furthermore, providing micro entrepreneurs cheaper alternative to 5-6 lending,
Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program released a total of P2.40 billion
funds to 290 accredited conduits in 73 provinces reaching 65,000 beneficiaries
nationwide.
Likewise, increasing the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs through
provision of innovative and more efficient machinery and equipment through
2,300 Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) set up generating 147,201 of employment
since its launch in 2013.
Lastly, services are reaching out to more MSMEs through 1,049 Negosyo
Centers nationwide with a total of 547,950 MSMEs assisted, 821,771 clients served
and 911,178 services rendered.
By continuing initiatives of uplifting the MSMEs, MSME Development Advocate
Undersecretary Zenaida Cusion-Maglaya vows to surpass ROG’s 2018
accomplishments.
“The ROG will continue to support MSMEs in their entrepreneurial journey thru
effective and efficient delivery of programs that will enhance their
competitiveness and gear them up to be part of the global and value chain,”
Maglaya said. www.dti.gov.ph
More establishments observe
drug-free policy
percent; MIMAROPA, 97.8 percent; and Davao Region, 97.7 percent.
The workplace policies and programs on drug abuse prevention and control
adopted by companies must include advocacy, education and training; drug test-
ing program for officers and employees; treatment, rehabilitation and referral; and
monitoring and evaluation.
Under the DOLE Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Program, an employee who, for
the first time, is found positive of drug use, shall be referred for treatment and/or
rehabilitation in a DOH accredited center.
After the rehabilitation, the company’s assessment team may recommend to the
employer the resumption of the employee’s job if he/she poses no serious danger
to his/her co-employees and/or the workplace.
However, repeated drug use, even after ample opportunity for treatment and
rehabilitation, shall be dealt with the corresponding penalties under R.A. 9165 and
is a ground for dismissal.
Violations of DO 53-03 may be punished criminally under Article II of RA 9165
and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, or administratively under Article 297
of the Labor Code.
The establishment’s compliance with the DO 53-03 is one of the indicators
strictly observed by DOLE during labor laws compliance system assessment.
www.dole.gov.ph