The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that aims to promote growth and competitiveness among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Titled “Sa Produktibong Negosyo, Manggagawa at Mamumuhunan Sabay ang Asenso”, the MOA is a joint DOLE-DTI initiative that directs both agencies to collaborate on activities in connection with the conduct of advocacy and capacity-building initiatives on enterprise development, livelihood assistance, productivity improvement and other capacity development programs for MSMEs.
It was signed by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual on April 30, 2023, a day before the 121st Labor Day Celebration on May 1, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremonial signing of the MOA.
Under the MOA, the DOLE, through its Regional Offices, the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, and the National Wages and Productivity Commission, shall collaborate with the DTI through its Regional Offices and Negosyo Centers, Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP), and Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) for the conduct of orientation, training, and technical assistance on productivity improvement, livelihood orientation, and access to DTI programs and services.
The DOLE shall conduct orientation, training, and technical assistance on Productivity Toolbox and facilitate access of DTI MSME clients to DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) grant assistance, subject to existing rules and regulations.
It shall also endorse interested DILP and Productivity Toolbox beneficiaries to DTI to facilitate their access to business advisory services and other capacity building programs.
The DTI shall provide technical assistance to DILP and Productivity Toolbox beneficiaries on improvement of product design, marketing and use of digital business tools, among others, as well as access to DTI’s Shared Services Facilities and other capacity-building programs.
It shall also endorse interested DTI MSME clients to DOLE to facilitate their access to DILP assistance and productivity programs and services.