From weaving to bamboo and even coconut oil, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is arming Iloilo’s small entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive—literally.
Through its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, DTI is bridging the gap for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that lack the capital to invest in costly equipment.
“The purpose of SSF is to focus on industries with huge potential, but our MSMEs or processors have no capacity to invest in equipment. So, this is what the SSF is trying to address,” said Jonathan Tejida, Supervising Trade-Industry Development Specialist of DTI Iloilo, in a press briefing.
This year alone, DTI has launched a weaving facility in Barangay Baje, Leon, while preparing to roll out a bamboo processing and pasalubong hub in Maasin and a virgin coconut oil (VCO) and coconut milk facility in New Lucena. Once completed, Iloilo will have 36 SSFs in operation.
New proposals are also gaining ground. Three projects—peanut processing in San Joaquin, batwan powder and cookie production in Batad, and mushroom cultivation in Dumangas—have already secured conditional approval from the Regional Technical Working Group.
Looking ahead to 2025, Iloilo MSMEs can expect even more industry boosters: additional garment equipment in Lambunao, cacao processing in Dingle, and bamboo expansion in Alimodian.
Tejida stressed that these facilities are designed not just to jumpstart businesses but also to empower communities. After two years, well-managed SSFs will be turned over to their operators, who can then propose enhancements to further grow their enterprises.
For Iloilo’s MSMEs, the message is clear: with DTI’s backing, industries once held back by lack of equipment are now poised for scale and sustainability.IMT
