BAGUIO CITY – On May 11, 2025, the media forum Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, with DTI – Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), unveiled its key initiatives for Fiscal Year 2025, highlighting strategies to boost exports and investments, drive industrial growth, support MSMEs, and strengthen consumer protection, at the Paragon Hotel.
Export and Investment Growth
DTI-CAR focuses on boosting economic growth by improving export and investment performance. By enhancing trade relations and facilitating business-friendly policies, the agency aims to make the region more attractive for local and foreign investors. This creates more job opportunities, strengthens industries, and positions CAR as a competitive player in both local and global markets.
Industry Development
Industry development remains a key priority, with DTI-CAR encouraging investments to stimulate industrial expansion. The agency fosters innovation, creates value chain linkages, and provides targeted support to emerging and traditional industries. By developing industries through strategic investments and policy enhancements, businesses in CAR can compete effectively in evolving economic landscapes.
5-Point MSME Agenda and MSME Development Plan
Supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remains at the heart of DTI-CAR’s agenda. The 5-Point MSME Agenda and MSME Development Plan focus on accelerating digitalization, promoting diversification, expanding funding sources, leveraging franchising, and enhancing mentoring opportunities. A key aspect of this digitalization push is highlighted by Samuel Gallardo, OIC Assistant Regional Director of DTI-CAR, who notes, “Alam niyo po, napakasimpleng ituro iyong gumamit sila ng GCash or other payment facilities, pero ang dami pong MSMEs ang nakinabang when they found out that they can transact through GCash and other platforms like marketplaces… we want more MSMEs to participate in that.” This demonstrates how simple digital tools drive significant growth for small businesses.
Consumer Welfare Programs
Consumer welfare remains a major focus, with DTI-CAR implementing regulatory and support measures to safeguard consumer rights. Programs such as the Timbangan ng Bayan, BAGWIS Awards, and Diskwento Caravan protect consumers and promote fair trade. Additionally, regular price monitoring, permit processing, and complaint resolution mechanisms ensure market stability and consumer trust. By strengthening partnerships with consumer organizations and local price coordinating councils, the agency reinforces its commitment to consumer advocacy and protection.
Negosyo Center Program Expansion
The Negosyo Center Program expands its services with online Business Name and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise registrations. Specialized training sessions focus on digitalization, e-commerce, greening, and business continuity planning. Coaching and mentoring initiatives such as KMME-MME Online and YEP-Project Marites provide valuable guidance to entrepreneurs. The program also includes the establishment of eight new Negosyo Centers in Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, ensuring that more MSMEs have access to essential business development services. Recognizing the importance of disaster resilience, Gallardo emphasizes, “Nag-promise po ang aming head office na kapag meron pong nasalanta ng disasters or natural calamities, they will have access to livelihood assistance in the form of livelihood kits through our Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, Pondo para sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa.”
One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program
DTI-CAR continues to enhance the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program by focusing on upscaled marketing, AI-driven business solutions, and the promotion of cultural products through geographical indications and collective marks. Signature products such as Sagada coffee and Kalinga heirloom rice take center stage in both local and international trade fairs, including IMPAKABSAT, with expansion efforts targeting markets in China, Japan, ASEAN, Korea, and Canada. Gallardo explains the vision of the program, stating, “Iyon po ang pakay ng OTOP. Kapag may nabanggit po kayong produkto, dapat ma-associate niyo doon sa pinanggalingan niya.” He further emphasizes the global aspirations of the program, adding, “Mapapansin niyo po based sa priorities natin na gusto na po naming lumabas ng bansa… gusto po namin pumunta sa China… going global na po talaga tayo.”
Industry Cluster Enhancement Program
The Industry Cluster Enhancement Program strengthens industry value chains, particularly in digital entertainment, animation, gaming, and creative media. Initiatives such as Fiesta Haraya: Cordisenyo, Chordillera, InBOX develop creative cities like Ibagiw and Mangwa, showcasing local talent and craftsmanship. Research and development on digitalized food supply chains and logistics remain a priority, with projects supporting fresh and processed food products, special rice and coffee from Kalinga, and banana, cacao, and pineapple production in Apayao.
Convergence Projects for Inclusive Growth
DTI-CAR’s Convergence Projects bring together multiple stakeholders to drive inclusive economic development. Initiatives such as ATTRACT (CAR Regional Inclusive Innovation Center), the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, and Project BACOGA with NGCP strengthen regional industries and enhance market opportunities. The coffee industry, in particular, benefits from collaborations with the Philippine Coffee Guild and the Department of Agriculture, ensuring quality enhancement and expanded trade opportunities.
Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program
The Shared Service Facilities Program continues to support MSMEs by providing access to advanced equipment and technology. Facilities such as fruit and vegetable dehydrators, coffee cupping laboratories, and food laboratories at Kalinga State University improve production efficiency. Notable projects include a PhP1,000,000 SSF on food processing for the Kimchi Project in Baguio, a PhP800,000 SSF on coffee entrepreneurship learning in Kalinga, and a PhP1,000,000 SSF on coffee processing in Mountain Province. These investments ensure that local businesses can scale operations and compete in larger markets.
CAR Regional Monitoring, Surveillance, and Enforcement Team (ROMSET)
Consumer protection remains a high priority with the CAR Regional Monitoring, Surveillance, and Enforcement Team (ROMSET) ensuring compliance with fair trade laws. Regular price monitoring of essential commodities, efficient processing of permits, and proactive complaint resolution mechanisms uphold market integrity. By strengthening partnerships with consumer organizations and launching advocacy campaigns, DTI-CAR ensures that consumer rights remain protected while promoting ethical business practices.
DTI-CAR’s Vision for 2025
With a strong focus on digitalization, sustainability, and market expansion, DTI-CAR’s 2025 initiatives foster economic resilience, enhance industry competitiveness, and safeguard consumer welfare. These comprehensive programs align with the agency’s mission to drive inclusive growth, ensuring that businesses, consumers, and communities benefit from a thriving and modernized economic landscape in the Cordillera Administrative Region. By Gian Laddit
