Six cooperators from Pampanga have received equipment and machinery from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the agency’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program.

DTI said the beneficiaries include the San Fernando Lantern Makers Association, which received P978,555 worth of machines; the Sweet and Delicacies Association of Pampanga, with P640,000 worth of assistance; and the Paroba Matamo Livelihood Business Agriculture Association, which received P456,000 worth of equipment.

Other recipients were Kabuhayan ng mga Kabarangay Tungo sa Tagumpay, which received P281,000 worth of handicrafts production and processing machines; the Talete King Panyulung Kapampangan Foundation, which received P248,100 worth of sealers and a shrink tunnel; and the Domalouis Farmers Association Inc., which received P220,000 worth of water hyacinth and seagrass production, weaving, and processing equipment.

DTI Pampanga provincial director Elenita Ordonio led the turnover ceremony and congratulated the cooperators for successfully managing their respective SSF projects.

Ordonio assured the beneficiaries that the agency will continue to support them even after the turnover of the facilities.

“We have an usufruct agreement with the cooperators within two years to monitor if the equipment is still being used properly, if they generated additional employment, and if they have increased sales for us to donate the equipment to them. But it doesn’t end there. After the turnover, we will monitor you to ensure that the objective of the program is fulfilled and if the equipment is used for the intended purpose,” she said.

She added that beneficiaries will continue to receive assistance through consultations, market matching, and participation in trade fairs.

Ordonio also urged cooperators to report issues and concerns regarding facility operations so the DTI can provide timely monitoring and interventions.

“We also want them to maintain their greening program to protect the environment. We are also promoting the concept of green economic development for sustainability,” she added.

Aside from the turnover of SSFs to qualified cooperators, the DTI also awarded packaging and labeling design prototypes to 12 cooperatives to help improve product marketability and consumer recall.

Two micro, small, and medium enterprises—Lola Puring’s Food Products and Jejen S.W.E Enterprises—were also conferred Halal certification.

Ordonio further encouraged existing and prospective entrepreneurs to avail themselves of the agency’s services, including training and capacity-building programs, as well as other business development initiatives.