Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to offer a small loan program with no interest rate for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost local products in the country.

Dela Rosa said the move would be more effective in helping MSMEs thrive, rather than simply providing financial assistance.

He said such a government program would lessen the “culture of mendicancy” among Filipinos.

"This is no longer teaching them how to fish, this is helping them in their fishing venture,” he added.

He also urged newly confirmed DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Roque to focus on supporting small business owners.