As a testament to the thriving business landscape in MIMAROPA or the Southwestern Tagalog Region, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office reported that it generated P8 million worth of investments and 5,000 new jobs in 2023.
Mimaropa is comprised of four provinces - Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.
These achievements were made possible through the assistance of the agency to over 600 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the cacao, bamboo, wearables and home style, processed fruits and nuts, rubber, salt, tuna, tourism, and creative digital industries.
“We are committed to continue and even exceed the passion and drive we carried throughout 2023- to assist more entrepreneurs, create more job opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our local industries in 2024,” said DTI MIMAROPA’s OIC Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque.
The regional office saw significant developments in all sectors, but especially in agriculture, MSME development, digitalization, and research and development (R&D).
Coconut farmers, who were able to participate in seven research and development activities in line with the industry development plan, were able to develop 29 coconut product prototypes which made P2 million in sales.
More than 10,200 farmer beneficiaries and small landowners were assisted under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), along with 78 Agrarian Reform Communities.
Alongside it, five shared service facilities (SSF) worth P5 million were established to help, for instance, fish processors groups improve quality and market competitiveness, and creating 300 jobs.
Global Green Growth Institute and Korea International Cooperation Agency's (KOICA) $5 million calamansi, coconut, banana, and seaweed processing facility project in Oriental Mindoro was completed.
Meanwhile, a group of cacao farmers in Marinduque (SAGANA Marinduque) were given a development grant by the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the Korea Invention Promotion Association.
In terms of MSME development, 13,650 MSMEs were able to receive services from 61 Negosyo Centers in the region, 61 individuals were able to graduate from DTI’s 10-week-long mentorship program, and 8,063 MSMEs participated in the agency’s e-commerce programs.
Its “One Town, One Product (OTOP)” Program contributed greatly to the region’s economy, generating P300 million in sales from national and local fairs, joined by nearly 450 MSMEs.