DTI starts release of P8K assistance for Siargao MSMEs

The Department of Trade and Industry has started to roll out assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Siargao Island hit by Typhoon Odette (Rai).

According to the DTI, it is providing P8,000 gift cards for MSMEs in Siargao. It estimates some 3,000 of them were affected by Odette, including 300 which have already availed of the assistance.

“Ang gamit po ng gift card is magagamit po ‘yun ng mga MSME na pang-purchase. Parang ano siya eh, parang ‘yung MSME may credit line niya na P8,000,” Olimar Sulapas, development officer of DTI Surigao Del Norte, said in a report on GMA’s 24-Oras Weekend on Sunday.

“So kino-consume niya ‘yung P8,000, ibibili niya ng mga gamit na kakailangan niya. Pwedeng makapgswipe,” Sulapas added.

[The credit card can be used by the MSMEs to purchase things they will need. It will serve as a credit line worth P8,000. They can consume that to acquire the equipment they need.]

MSMEs that wish to avail of the assistance can contact Sulapas through his mobile 09096329627. They will need to present their DTI permit, and either a Mayor’s Permit or a Barangay’s Business Permit.

On the other hand, 69 retailers in Surigao Del Norte, and Butuan were also reported to have overpriced goods, mostly for construction and hardware materials. They have already been sent a show-cause order and letter of inquiry, and their goods confiscated.

The Visayas and Mindanao regions have been severely hit by Odette in mid-December.  The typhoon left “total devastation” in areas on its path.

The Siargao island continues to have intermittent mobile communication services, while residences and establishments remain without electricity, and those who could afford use generator sets for their energy supplies. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG/KG, GMA News