Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said his department is preparing livelihood assistance to help entrepreneurs affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
Lopez said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aims to disburse P50 million worth of micro finance facilities under the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso, or the P3 Program.
“We are preparing for livelihood assistance for those who would like to get back or revive their small businesses,” the trade chief said.
“DTI will provide the assistance through gift checks or gift cards.”
For micro and small entrepreneurs affected by the Taal eruption, the trade head said the DTI would be rolling out a new system, wherein they would provide the assistance through gift checks or gift cards, and entrepreneurs can redeem it from participating stores.
This is so entrepreneurs would not worry about the expiration and logistics of goods for their businesses, he said.
“We are fixing the guidelines. Next week, we should be ready with that,” Lopez added.
“DTI has been profiling micro and small enterprises in areas affected by the eruption.”
He said his department has been profiling micro and small enterprises in areas affected by the eruption.
Meanwhile, Lopez said some companies have continued their operations two days after the eruption while some have remained closed.
A number of manufacturers and exporters are located in Batangas.