DTI offers livelihood assistance to Taal-affected entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started the implementation of a livelihood assistance program for entrepreneurs affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

In a statement, DTI said the program, called Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PBG), was rolled out during President Duterte’s visit in Sto. Tomas, Batangas last Jan. 20.

The program is DTI’s way of providing support to microentrepreneurs affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Under the PBG, microentrepreneurs could avail of financial assistance worth P10,000.

During the launch, 20 entrepreneurs who are mostly street food vendors, market vendors, and sari-sari store owners who want to continue their businesses, were provided with the assistance.

Those interested in the PBG program may go to the DTI Batangas Provincial Office in Lipa.

Beneficiaries of the program would have to go through an assessment by the DTI.

“PBG is an initiative of the government and DTI to help the smallest of entrepreneurs who were affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. The program gives a fast and easy source of initial capital to help microentrepreneurs regain normalcy in their livelihood after the incident,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

After getting assistance from the PBG, he said beneficiaries could also avail of loans under the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program.

Through the P3, a microentrepreneur can borrow from P5,000 up to P200,000.

The loan has an affordable monthly interest of 2.5 percent.

Following the launch of the PBG for entrepreneurs affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption, the DTI intends to have the program also available nationwide for victims of fire, typhoons and other calamities.