HIBLA. 2020 Year-End Report

Message from the OIC Provincial Director

The year 2020 was a very challenging time for
almost all entities as they journeyed towards re-
covery. The anticipated favourable “new normal”
was not as promising as expected. The economy
continued to be constrained by the enduring threat
of the pandemic. Economic pursuits were contin-
uously controlled to uphold human health. For
those among heavily affected, it’s a daily survival
that they have to face. Upon such situation, our
office as a government institution did its fair share
in mitigating the impact of the calamity.

During the declaration of calamity under Proc-
lamation 929, there was automatic imposition of
the price freeze of the basic and prime commodi-
ties as provided for under R.A. 7581, otherwise
known as the Price Act. The continuous product
standard and price monitoring were undertaken in close coordination with the Local Price
Coordinating Councils. Alongside with those regulatory efforts, we partnered with busi-
nesses to ensure the existence of fair business environment. Our province has registered
the highest Bagwis Awardees in the region.

Our efforts towards staying afloat the players of our local industry clusters have been
approached through organizational strengthening where collaborative process is being
preached as a strategy for competitiveness. Our marketing support methodologies were
modified taking advantage of the online selling platform and other avenue to promote and
sell the local products. To ensure that our services are felt even in the barangays, we de-
livered timely interventions coupled with the provision of the livelihood starter kits. Those
were for the calamity stricken sectors whose support came from the Pangkabuhayan para
sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG). Our Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (NSB) were assisted
through the Livelihhood Seeding Program (LSP).

The core services to the varied customers have been accelerated through the quick
support actions by our Administrative and Finance Management Division. Their dedicated
and hardworking efforts made possible the speedy completion of targets and commit-
ments.

Working with enabling partners remains to be the indispensable strategy for engag-
ing our clients. Together, we ensured that holes and gaps were properly filled in so that
the road towards economic recovery was aptly and timely paved for a smooth voyage.

No matter how difficult is the trail, if everyone contributes a significant part, every-
thing becomes bearable. Let’s work together and bring notable results while staying safe
always!

INDUSTRY CLUSTER ENHANCEMENT (ICE) Program

PROCESSED FRUITS & NUTS

The Industry Cluster Enhancement (ICE) Program seeks to develop the priority
industries of coffee, cacao, processed fruits and nuts, bamboo, coco coir and wearables
& homestyle. It is through institutional development, industry strengthening and
cross sector collaboration among government, academe, private and non-government
organizations, across the different areas of the value chain.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, DTI South Cotabato continuously supported the
MSMEs in the processed fruits and nuts cluster including other processed food products
in South Cotabato. Developmental interventions were provided to MSMEs to improve
their competency, specifically:

 Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Seminar
 Initiating Traceability System in the Food Sector
 Food Connect
 Organizational Development Seminar
 Selling thru E- Commerce Platform

Market matching activities were also conducted to help the MSMEs in marketing their
respective products. Participation in the Virtual Trade Fair became necessary in order to
adapt to the so-called New Normal like the Pasinaya and OTOP Philippines Virtual Trade
Expo.

Processing plants of some MSMEs were also visited to check if they are compliant to the
standards set by the Food and Drug Administration in acquiring a License to Operate.

# of MSMEs # of Inves- # of Export- # of IP Appli- # of MSMEs Do-
Assisted tors Assisted ers Assisted cation Filed ing E-commerce

263 22 1 45

INDUSTRY CLUSTER ENHANCEMENT (ICE) Program

WEARABLES and HOMESTYLES

Down, but not out!

MSMEs in South Cotabato experienced operational downtrend in 2020 because of the
pandemic. DTI continued to extend support programs and services to cushion the harsh
effects of the calamity.

South Cotabato is known for its wearables and homestyle products, especially the
T’nalak cloth and T’nalak-based handicrafts. Other souvenir items like beads, embroi-
dery, brass, nito handicrafts and pottery as also prevalent in the locality. Assistance to
MSMEs varies from market matching, product development sessions, organizational de-
velopment, virtual trade fair participation and one on one consultancy sessions.

Among the major events conducted and coordinated in 2020 are as follows:
 Trade fair participation, both physical and virtual.
 Prodev activity in partnership with the Arts, Culture, Tourism (ACTS) Office of the

Provincial Government of South Cotabato
 Technology and skills trainings on different products variations
 Prototype development

Those activities resulted to achievement of bottomline indicators as follows:

# of MSMEs # of Investors # of Exporters # of Trainings # of Products
Assisted Conducted Developed
Assisted Assisted
2 4 35
295 5

INDUSTRY CLUSTER ENHANCEMENT (ICE) Program

CACAO

Undeterred by the pandemic COVID-19, the Cacao Industry Cluster of DTI-South Co-
tabato was able to deliver programs and services to the Stakeholders in the Province in
year 2020. Activities were administered with compliance to health safety protocols as man-
dated by the IATF.

To ensure sustainable economic operations amidst the pandemic, market matching
activities for locally produced cacao beans to cocoa processors was conducted. Technology
Training was conducted to make sure the quality of cocoa beans that are produced by the
farmers are maintained at premium level. Those initiatives resulted to the following suc-
cess measures:

# of MSMEs # of Inves- # of Export- # of IP Appli- # of MSMEs Do-
Assisted tors Assisted ers Assisted cation Filed ing E-commerce

186 2 2 1 17

Technology Development on Cacao Post
Harvest and Processing for Pulabato Cacao
and Coffee Farmers Association, an on-site
training with Richley Lucena of South Rays
Valley Foods Association, Inc. 12 Cacao Farm-
ers participated in the activity.

SOCCSKSARGEN Cacao Technology Con-
ference spearheaded by DTI-South Cotabato
held at Greenstate Convention Center last
December 3, 2020. 1 Main venue for physi-
cal participants and 8 substations in the Mu-
nicipalities for virtual participants were set-
up with total of 124 participants. The activity
was attended by various cacao stakeholders
who represents their role in the value chain.

Cacao Bean Grading and Sensory Evaluation held at Greenstate Convention Center
last December 18, 2020, 9 Cacao Producers and Processors joined the Bean Grading Con-
test from South Cotabato which bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place.

INDUSTRY CLUSTER ENHANCEMENT (ICE) Program

COFFEE

South Cotabato is one of the emerging Provinces in coffee production in the
SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Various coffee processors even outside the region were able to real-
ize the volume of production required for their coffee processing in the Province. Apparently,
the trend today exhibits the upsurge of the so-called Third Wave of Coffee.

However, the country was hit by a pandemic COVID-19 which contributed a great im-
pact in the economy among those greatly affected were Coffee Farmers. DTI-South Cotabato
and partner coffee stakeholders managed a collaborative effort as a buttress to cope with the
impact of the pandemic. Among those activities are market matching with local coffee shop
owners/buyers and linkage with an export buyer. Noteworthy also in 2020 was the celebra-
tion of International Coffee Day wherein locally produced coffee was given as freebies and to-
kens of participating coffee shops in the celebration

# of MSMEs # of Investors # of Export- # of IP Appli- # of MSMEs Do-

Assisted Assisted ers Assisted cation Filed ing E-commerce

233 2 13 13

Coffee Appreciation and Business Matching
at La Misha Cafe & Roastery in Polomolok, South
Cotabato. The activity resulted in a marketing
agreement between United Villagers Farmers As-
sociation of Polomolok, South Cotabato and Qtrue
Coffee in Houston, Texas, USA which requires 1
Ton of roasted Arabica per month.

One-on-One consultation on Trademark ap- Joined the celebration of the
plication of 2 Coffee Stakeholders: Qtrue International Coffee Day with partici-
Coffee and Online Mercado. pating coffee shops. Given sample lo-
cally produced coffee as samples and
freebies for every coffee purchases.

Technology Development on Coffee
based Soap and Body Scrub held at Polo-
molok and Tboli South Cotabato. Participat-
ed by 30 women beneficiaries of Great
Women Project.

INDUSTRY CLUSTER ENHANCEMENT (ICE) Program

BAMBOO

Bamboo is one of the supported priority industries in Region 12 as per Regional Devel-
opment Council (RDC) Resolution No. 44, Series of 2008: Adopting and Supporting the Priori-
ty Industry and other Clusters with Growth Potential in Region XII.

Bamboo is highly utilized in the region, with common uses as housing materials, fenc-
es, rudimentary furniture and household utensils, agricultural implements (use in tying and
harvesting of crops, transport material, etc), handicraft, livestock implements, fish cages, and
as footbridges along creeks and rivers. It plays a very important role socially, economically
and ecologically, both in the upland and coastal areas in the region.
Afos, Bayog, Kawayan Tinik, Buho, Laak are the bamboo species that proliferate in South Co-
tabato province.

The pandemic-induced disruptions in this sector necessitated the national and local
government to make ways to keep this industry stay afloat in the province of South Cotabato.
In the year 2020, the DTI has maintained two (2) Shared Service Facility in Polomolok and
Tantangan in South Cotabato, namely Crossing Palkan Bamboo Industry Development Pro-
ject, and Tantangan Bamboo Processing.
Executive Order No. 13, series of 2020 reconstitutes the South Cotabato Bamboo Industry
Development Council (SCBIDC).

# of MSMEs # of Investors Council # of IP Appli- # of MSMEs Do-
Maintained cation Filed ing E-commerce
Assisted Assisted
1
101 2

Participation to the celebra-
tion of World Bamboo Day
where a tree planting activity
was organized by LGU Nor-
ala.

Organized the Technology Development In
Bamboo Industry in SOCCSKSARGEN Re-
gion. The activity is in partnership with
SCEIPC, DOST, ADPO and TESDA. Topics
included the Emerging New Global Technol-
ogies on Bamboo, Grading of Bamboo
Culms, Training regulations for Bamboo Pro-
cessing and Climate Change Mitigation
Riverbank Rehabilitation Project.

MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (MSMED)

The South Cotabato Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED)
Council was able to hold its regular meetings in year 2020 despite the pandemic.

The three (3) Resolutions passed by the Council during its meeting on September
10, 2020 were presented in the virtual MSME Regional Congress on November 25, 2020.
These are entitled as follows:

a. Resolution No. 01, s. 2020, A Resolution Requesting the I ATF and LGUs
to Improve Management of Border Checkpoints by Conducting Uniform Inspec-
tion Procedure in all Passers-by and Disallowing Special Lanes for Any Entity to
Mitigate Spread of Corona Virus-19 in South Cotabato and Adjacent Areas;

b. Resolution No. 02, s. 2020, A Resolution Requesting to Revive and Main-
tain the Schedule of Movement of People during Community Quarantine (CQ) in
South Cotabato at the following Category Level: Enhanced CQ, Modified En-
hanced CQ, and General CQ; and

c. Resolution No. 03, s. 2020, A Resolution Enjoining Business Establish-
ments, Government and Private Entities in South Cotabato to Strictly Observe
Health Protocol and Adopt the South Cotabato COVID-19 Contract Tracing Sys-
tem (SC-CCTS).

The year-end meeting on December 17, 2020 highlighted the (1) Actions on the
SCMSMED Council Resolutions, (2) Result of the Survey on the Ease of Doing Business
(EODB) Act Implementation, (3) Discussion on UP-ISSI Survey Result cum Planning Ses-
sion for CY-2021; and (4) Submission of 2020 Accomplishment Reports of Agencies.

NEGOSYO CENTER

The Negosyo Center was created under RA 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act which is,
“An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Development of Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises”. Through this Republic Act, the Negosyo Center is mandated
to deliver the basic services which are (1) Business Advisory (2) Business Registration and
Assistance and (3) Business Information and Advocacy.

The establishment of the Negosyo Centers started way back 2015 where wider reach
and assistance were given to various MSMEs since then. Through the conduct of different
training, business consultancy, assistance to registration, access to market, access to fi-
nance and any other engagements which increases an MSMEs productivity and efficiency
helped propel a great number of MSMEs to success.

Since 2015, these services were delivered with ease as transportation, budget, securi-
ty and health safety were not subject to any restriction and protocols. But as 2020 unfolded,
it brought a great challenge to the Negosyo Centers to deliver its services and at the same
time extend assistance to those who were greatly affected by the pandemic.

South Cotabato, with twelve(12) established Negosyo Centers, were never taken
aback with this pandemic but rather became resilient and creative on how to deliver its ser-
vices. Even with the difficulty in reaching its clients and taking the risk of infection, the NCs
were able to achieve its goal and even surpassed its target (targets which were set under
normal circumstance). It has continued to live up to its DTI guiding principle “Serbisyong
Higit Pa sa Inaasahan. The following were its accomplishments for 2020:

Total MSME As- Other Clients MSME Doing IP Applications Prototype
sisted Assisted Commerce Facilitated Developed

1,164 9,290 594 11 31

Packaging & Training and Skills Training Loan Applica- Loans Availed
Labelling De- Seminar Con- Conducted tion Endorsed Php 3.65 M
sign Developed
ducted 19 108
78
193

Local Investment KMME Mentees Assisted
Generated 14

Php 2.8M

SHARED SERVICE FACILITY (SSF) PROJECT

A major component of DTI’s MSME Development (MSMED) Program is the Shared Ser-
vice Facility (SSF) Project. This project aims to push MSMEs to become more competitive
through machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge support under a
shared system.

SSF is a national project implemented through partners known as “Cooperators”, or
any juridical entity that falls under but is not limited to non-government organizations,
people’s organizations, cooperatives, industry/trade/business associations, local govern-
ment units (LGUs), state universities/colleges technical vocational schools and other similar
government and training institutions.

The year 2020 was the most struggling year for our SSF Project implementation and
to our beneficiaries as well. One (1) SSF Project Proposal for Sto. Niño Dairy Farmer Asso-
ciation Dairy Processing Centers was pursued. Despite the struggling economy for local
processors of food and non-food, SSF Beneficiaries still managed to operate their business.

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, four (4) SSF beneficiaries on garments refocused
their production into Face Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) which they do-
nated to medical health workers in the Province of South Cotabato.

# of Established # of SSF Pro- # of Maintain # of Approved Amount Ap-
SSF Projects (as jects Turned SSF Projects 2020 SSF Pro- proved 2020
Over (as of Dec. (as of Dec. SSF Proposal
of Dec. 2020) posal
2020) 2020)

32 24 8 1 Php1.030M

ONE TOWN ONE PRODUCT (OTOP) PROGRAM

One Town One Product (OTOP) Program is a priority stimulus package for Micro, Small
and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) as government’s customized intervention to drive
inclusive local economic growth.

The program enables localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and
promote products or services rooted in its local culture and competitive advantage. As their
own ‘pride-of-place,’ these are offerings where they can be the best at or best renowned for.

The concept of OTOP is an adaptation of Japan’s successful One Village One Product
(OVOP) project, which was started in 1979 by Governor Morihiro Hiramatsu of Oita Prefec-
ture as a form of people’s participation in the regional development of that country. Its suc-
cess prompted other countries to adopt the concept in their own areas as an effective tool
for poverty alleviation, particularly in the rural areas. OTOP has been established in Thai-
land, Vietnam, Malawi, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

In 2020, OTOP Program of DTI South Cotabato has conducted various business devel-
opment interventions for the OTOPreneurs like food safety and good manufacturing seminar,
food connect seminar, processing site visitations, market matching activities, participation in
online trade fairs and product development/enhancement sessions.

It is noteworthy that despite the pandemic that caused havoc to the country, MSMEs
in South Cotabato were able to generate sufficient sales during the OTOP Philippines Virtual
Trade Expo with some products recognized as best sellers. In preparation for the participa-
tion to fairs and exhibits, products designs were improved through ACT Sessions. The Bake
Barn Pasalubong Center in Polomolok, South Cotabato accommodated local products within
the Province in its opening thus, provided opportunity for brand awareness and expand mar-
kets where to sell those products.

# of MSMEs Assisted # of Products Developed Amount of Sales Generated
131 49 Php19.180M

COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP)

The DTI continues to perform its mandated support to the Comprehensive Agrarian
Reform Program (CARP) since its inception in the late 1980s. Packages of assistance are
being extended to CARP Beneficiaries for the development of the Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs). Particularly, it assists cooperatives/associations of farmers, landown-
ers, women, and youths, who are capable of managing and sustaining enterprises.

The major component of the program is to promote strong and viable enterprises in
empowered Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). This way, the program can transform
the lives of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) who are working as vital partners, cata-
lysts and contributors to economic development. The project performance is being meas-
ured by verifiable indicators from where DTI-South Cotabato has achieved the following for
year 2020, to wit:

Investment Sales Generated Jobs Generated # of ARCs # of ARBOs # of ARBs
Generated Assisted
Served Assisted

Php21.9M Php9.978M 800 11 15 603

Trainings & Product De- Market Devel- # of New # of # of MSME
Product Brands De- Assisted
Seminar Con- velopment In- opment Activ- Developed
veloped 25
ducted itiative ities 5
3
7 3 25

The year was the most challenging year for all ARBs and ARB Organizations in South
Cotabato due to the effect of the Pandemic COVID-19 that plague not only our country but
worldwide. Some were forced to shut down their operations due to heavy financial losses as
a result of dwindling market brought about by movement restrictions. There were some
however, who continued to operate at limited capacity since their products were considered
essential goods. Various trainings & seminars, product and market development assistance
were extended to 11 ARCs while observing health safety protocols.

BALIK PROBINSYA BAGONG PAG-ASA PROGRAM (BP2)

BALIK PROBINSYA, BAGONG PAG-ASA PROGRAM aims to provide hope for a better
future to Filipinos through equity in resources throughout the country that will boost coun-
tryside development.

This program is geared towards addressing Metro Manila’s congested urban areas by
encouraging people, especially informal settlers to return to their home provinces and assist
them in this transition with support and incentives on transportation, family, livelihood,
housing, subsistence and education, among others.

Government agencies will be all hands on deck in ensuring the continuous improve-
ment of economies and quality of life in the provinces with the program’s long term plans on
various investments in infrastructure, agriculture, business, transportation and access to a
responsive healthcare system. Local governments will be empowered to effectively manage
crises to come and build resilient communities.

On its part, DTI South Cotabato took the lead in conducting consultative meetings
with relocated individuals in the municipalities of Sto. Nino and Lake Sebu in South Cotaba-
to. These were closely coordinated with the Local Government Units (LGUs), Technical Edu-
cation and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Interior and Local Govern-
ment (DILG) and Department of labor and Employment (DOLE). It resulted to the profiling
of forty (40) individuals, assessment of the individual proposed projects, and extended en-
trepreneurial consulting services. Ten (10) potential and existing entrepreneurs were award-
ed with livelihood starter kits, representing 25% of the total participants. Below are the main
indicators of what have been achieved by the office in the later part of year 2020.

# of Residents Pro- # of Municipalities # of Consultative # of Starter
Meetings Conducted Kits Awarded
filed Benefited
2 10
40 2

RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Our MALASAKIT STORIES....
In an effort to contribute something noble in a small way, the DTI South Cotabato,

DTI Regional Office and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) employees, have extended
voluntary contribution to procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) , face shields and
packages for the front liners. This act of kindness and generosity has the ultimate purpose of
augmenting the government program of providing medical equipment and supplies to shield
our present heroes from contracting the deadly virus.

Local MSMEs assisted by DTI South Cotabato were also linked for the supply of food
packages for distribution. This effort is one way of helping the producers generate income
out of the sales of local goods they produce. Impressed by the noble effort of the DTI em-
ployees and their partners, some of these MSMEs also contributed by donating some food
items. Blessings have been pouring out, and the number of donors were growing.

It was not easy indeed, yet fulfilling and this is just a piece of cake we can share to
the vast help our world needs. The group believes that, “small kindness matters especially at
the right time and place”.

Our “MUNTING PANTAWID-BUHAY”....
The DTI-South Cotabato team distributed 100 food packs to 100 families in barangays

Sta. Cruz and Paraiso of Koronadal City on April 20, 2020. This activity was dubbed as
"Munting Pantawid Buhay" which aims to aid the families meet their daily needs and able to
attenuate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each food pack contained 5kgs rice, noo-
dles, dried fish, bagoong, coffee, sugar and banana crackers.

The 100 beneficiary families were considered the most poverty-stricken families as
selected by their respective barangay officials. This initiative by the DTI-South Cotabato
team not only helped the families but also the MSMEs where supplies for the food packs
were bought. The activity would not be successful without the support and help of the ba-
rangay Local Government Units of Barangays Sta.Cruz and Paraiso.

“BOLANTE sa BARYO”
DTI South Cotabato, in partnership with LGU-Polomolok, Barangay Landan Officials, South
Cotabato Consumers Association representative, and retailers, conducted a "Bolante sa Bar-
yo" to the community of Barangay Landan, Polomolok. Also present during the activity was
the ONSITE MOBILE PALENGKE through the assistance of LGU-Koronadal City.
A total of 10 retailers participated with goods that varied from fresh meat, rice, vegetables,
dairy products, fish, bread and pastries, noodles, canned goods, grocery items, eggs, dry
goods, and fruits. The activity was able to benefit 237 households of the barangay, generat-
ing sales amounting to Php 105,040.00.
Bolante sa Baryo is an initiative to bring the basic necessities of every household to their ba-
rangays and to minimize movement of people in the province.

ROADS LEVERAGING LINKAGES OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE (ROLL IT)

The DTI – DPWH Convergence Program, better known as the Roads Leveraging Link-
ages of Industry and Trade or the ROLL IT Program was formalized through a MOA signing
on November 29, 2016.

The ROLL IT Program is a working arrangement between the DTI (along with the BOI)
and DPWH to jointly undertake the planning, budgeting, advocacy for legislation, identifica-
tion, evaluation, prioritization, regulation, supervision, implementation, and monitoring and
evaluation of industry-developing infrastructure projects in priority economic and manufac-
turing zones in the Philippines. These projects will aid the growth of industry and trade.
The Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) evaluates the road projects proposed by the
priority industries to ensure that they meet the requirements of the criteria. Road project
proposals that meet the criteria are then forwarded to the Central Technical Working Group
(CTWG) for further validation and final approval. Finally, the DPWH is tasked to implement
the approved projects.

Six (6) proposed projects in T’boli, South Cotabato were visited in coordination with
DPWH-District Engineering on September 17-18, 2020. These projects were proposed under
the DTI-DPWH convergence program which is Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and
Trade (ROLL IT). These are to be located in the following barangays:

1. Concreting of Kematu to Lamia Road located at Brgy. Kematu;
2. Concreting of Sitio Ala to Lamtlusong located at Brgy. Lamhaku;
3. Concreting of Malugong to Sitio Dal Road located at Brgy. Malugong;
4. Concreting of Sitio Paopao to Motokling Road located at Brgy. Mongokayo;
5. Concreting of Brgy. Lamsalome to Lamcogo Road located at Bgy. Lamsalome; and
6. Concreting of Lambangan to Sito Kiamfang Road located at Brgy. Lambangan.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM (YEP)

“Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth
(HOORAY)”

Amid the health crisis brought about by the pandemic, the DTI along with local coop-
erators have been relentless in supporting the youth by offering countless entrepreneurship
development and promotion interventions to the sector under the Youth Start, Youth Net,
and Youth Match components. Youth Entrepreneurship Program is the agency’s commitment
to the implementation of Republic Act No. 10679 otherwise known as the Youth Entrepre-
neurship Act which mandates the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Council
(MSMEDC) to implement a national program to promote youth entrepreneurship develop-
ment.

The YEP targets to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 in educa-
tion, employment, or training; in-school youth; youth organizations; youth with disabilities;
and Indigenous People.

The DTI in South Cotabato was able to gather a total of 83 youth (65 physical + 18
virtual) during the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Webinar on Youth ENTREP: Youth
Empow erment and Nurturing tow ards Resilient Entrepreneurship for Prosperity
held on December 3, 2020 at Eighty-Eight Hotel in Koronadal City. These individuals are ei-
ther into food, non-food type of business, and creative industry as well.

Mr. John Paul “PJ” Lanot, President of Pino Group of Concepts discussed How to Start/
Register your Business, and Business Opportunities in this time of Pandemic.

CONSUMER PROTECTION PROGRAM

DTI is committed to providing a fair, timely, and professional response to your feed-
back. Complaints and requests for review of our processes help us continuously improve the
quality of our services and communications.

BNPC MONITORING & STANDARDS MONITORING

For the year 2020, with its intensified monitoring during the COVID19 period, a total
of 97 monitoring activities were conducted (Product Standards & Price Monitoring); with a
total of 501 establishments were monitored. Twenty-one (21) Letter of Inquiries were issued
that involved 13 firms whose products exceeded their Suggested Retail Prices (SRP).

The monitoring of consumer products and services is a mandated function of the De-
partment of Trade and Industry in compliance with R.A 7394, otherwise known as the
“Consumer Act of the Philippines”. The monitoring activities would ensure the protection of
consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices. Also, the
consumers will be protected from hazards to health and safety.

ENTRAPMENT OPERATIONS amidst COVID19

The Crime Investigation & Detection Group-South Cotabato (CIDG-SC), together with
the Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration and DTI-South Cotabato has con-
ducted three (3) separate entrapment operations that involves five (5) unscrupulous individ-
uals who are selling overpriced alcohols. A total of 83 gallons of alcohol was seized during
the entrapments amounting to Php 69,500.00.
The involved individuals will face charges for violation of Republic Act 7581 as amended by
RA 10623, also known as Price Act.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announces a nationwide price freeze on basic
necessities according to the Price Act or Republic Act (RA) No. 7581. Section 6 of the said
law states that prices of basic necessities shall be frozen at their prevailing prices for sixty
(60) days or until sooner lifted by the President whenever there is a declaration of a state of
emergency, calamity, or other similar conditions. Proclamation No. 922 which puts the coun-
try under a State of Public Health Emergency due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-
19) outbreak triggered the implementation of a nationwide price freeze.

and Industry (DTI) as vice-chair while members of the LPCCs/MPCCs are the Department of
Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of
Agriculture (DA), consumer groups and retailing organizations.

CONSUMER PROTECTION PROGRAM

STRENGTHENING of LPCC

The Price Act or Republic Act 7581 protects consumers by stabilizing the prices of
basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price
increases during emergencies and like occasions. As one of the implementing agency in ad-
vocating/strengthening the Local Price Coordinating Council in the province, DTI-South Co-
tabato were able to organized five (5) LPCCs in the municipality of Norala, Tupi, Tampakan,
Tantangan & Koronadal City for the year 2020.

Around the last quarter of the year, to capacitate the members of the council on how
monitoring is done, two (2) developmental monitoring was conducted by LPCC-Tupi & LPCC-
Tampakan. The monitoring focused on products under mandatory certifications like Christ-
mas lights, LED bulbs, electrical appliances, monoblock chairs & tables, angle bars, ply-
woods, etc. A total of nine (9) firms were monitored during the activity.

LPCCs functions are to coordinate and rationalize the program to stabilize prices and
supply, recommend to the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) or to the implement-
ing agencies Suggested Retail Prices(SRPs), and/or price ceilings for certain basic or prime
commodities in their respective areas, conduct in-depth analysis on causes of price fluctua-
tions and recommend action steps to correct unwarranted price increase and supply short-
age. MPCCs or LPCCs are chaired by the Local Chief Executive concerned and the Depart-
ment of Trade and Industry (DTI) as vice-chair while members of the LPCCs/MPCCs are the
Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
Department of Agriculture (DA), consumer groups and retailing organizations.

CONSUMER EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM

CONSUMER AVP PREMIERE SCREENING

DTI, through its efforts on integrating consumer education in the millennium age,
premiered a series of Consumer Videos that conveys informations and tips with regards to
Basic Necessities & Prime Commodities under the monitoring of DTI; How and where to file a
consumer complaint; How to avoid Cyber Scams; Ano ang Warranty; and “No Return No Ex-
change”

The most highlighted was in partnership with the Consumers Association of South Co-
tabato, otherwise known as the SouthCon.org where a consumer AVP was produced to in-
form the public of their rights as a consumer. As part of celebrating the Consumer Welfare
Month for the year 2020, DTI have lined up a series of activities and prepared promo collat-
erals useful to increase the awareness of Consumers. The consumer education video was
played at the LED Wall of the LGU Koronadal and the Provincial Government of South Co-
tabato.

CONSUMER INFORMATION CORNER

In partnership with Mall of Ace Centerpoint and simultaneous official opening of the
mall, DTI-South Cotabato together with Southcon.org, launched the Consumer Information
Corner on November 20, 2020. For the year 2020, a total of three (3) Consumer Information
Corners was established. The other two are placed at CityMall and Gaisano Grand of Koron-
adal which was established on October 30, 2020.

The Consumer Corner provides everyday shoppers with ready access to DTI consumer
-related information materials, which can help them to make intelligent purchases, and ena-
ble them to assert their rights and exercise their responsibilities as consumers. It will enable
shoppers to become more aware of which products are classified as basic commodities and
are therefore subjected to SRPs. They will also learn basic consumer rights, including the
right to information, the right to make choices, and the right to receive compensation. The
facility also promotes awareness of DTI programs, as well as contact information for con-
sumer complaints.

CONSUMER EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM

SEMINARS/CONSUMER EDUCATION

In spite of the concerns & health protocols during the COVID19 period, DTI still con-
tinues its advocacy on empowering consumers by conducting a series of consumer education
related seminars/activities. Orientation like Business Legitimacy, Webinar for Hardware Op-
erators, Orientation of Fair Trade Laws (FTL) to Repair Shop Operators, FTL Orientation to
Dine-in Operators, and SUPER Consumer Online Quiz was conducted by the institution
throughout the year 2020 with a total of 187 empowered consumers and business enter-
prise.

CONSUMER ORG

It has been almost a year since the COVID-19 hit our country. Our government enti-
ties, especially our medical frontliners, have been very busy fighting with the unseen enemy.
Many were even contaminated and lost their lives. Families have been sacrificed.
The rising number of positive cases since March 2020 caused a depression in many families
and medical frontliners. And up to this moment, the war continues against COVID-19 to pre-
vent more fatalities.

The DTI-South Cotabato in partnership with the SouthCon.org, an Organization of
South Cotabato Consumers, and the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry
came up with a Community Engagement Project. The series of Community Engagement Ac-
tivities are among the highlights of the Consumer Welfare Month Celebration, with the
theme, “Sustainable Consumers in the New Normal”. As we want to teach consumers to be
sustainable, while ensuring health safety, a Face Mask Production Livelihood Training was
conducted at Brgy. Reyes, Banga, South Cotabato. This activity provided the women sewers
of Brgy. Reyes the basic skills on face mask production which can be an additional source of
income in these trying times. The sewers were able to produce a total of 104 face masks af-
ter the 2-day activity. DTI-SC provided them with the supplies to continue with their produc-
tion for ten (10) days. They were able to produce 974 face masks. They were compensated
with a labor fee of 4.00/mask through the effort of SouthCon.org.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE’s CORNER

Revised Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements

Pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 2000540 3. Four-day (Compressed) Workweek – re-
promulgated on May 7, 2020, the Commission fers to a work arrangement whereby the em-
adopted the following Revised Interim Guide- ployees’ workweek is compressed to four (4)
lines for Alternative Work Arrangements and days each week.
Support Mechanisms for Workers in the Gov-
ernment During the Period of State of National 4. Staggered Working Hours – refers to a
Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: work arrangement applicable to offices/
agencies that observe work shifting or flexible
Alternative Work Arrangements working time. For this purpose, staggered
working hours refers to the existing 24/7 shift-
Government agencies may adopt any or a com- ing schedule and the flexible working time
bination of the following alternative work ar- schedule.
rangements:
5, Other Alternative Work Arrangements –
1. Work-from-Home – refers to an output- refer to work arrangements consisting of a
oriented work arrangement that authorizes the combination of the above enumerated work ar-
worker to produce outputs/results and accom- rangements or other work arrangements ap-
plishments outside of the office. propriate/applicable to the agency subject to
the prevailing community quarantine in the ar-
2. Skeleton (Skeletal) Workforce – refers ea where the agency is located and the nature
to a work arrangement where a minimum of work/job performed by the employee/s.
number of employees is required to man the
office to render service when full staffing is
not possible.