DTI launches financial aid for MSMEs affected by Taal eruption

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is launching a financial assistance program, including micro-loans and grants, for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) impacted by the Taal Volcano eruption.

An initial P50 million has been allocated for this program, funded by SB Corp. as part of the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program.

MSMEs can avail of micro-financing ranging from ₱7,000 to ₱10,000, which will be disbursed through a card system to help them restart their businesses.

The DTI is also offering livelihood training programs for those beginning anew.

A price freeze has been implemented in the affected areas declared under a state of calamity to ensure basic necessities are sold within their suggested retail prices (SRPs).

The DTI is working to ensure sufficient supply of goods by sourcing from unaffected provinces to augment any shortfalls caused by the disruption of agricultural supplies from Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.