DTI to sustain emergency program vs global downturn

2009/03/04

DTI to sustain emergency program vs global downturn

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan (4 March) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will sustain the pursuit of its own version of the government program that is designed to help Filipinos cope with the current global economic downturn.

DTI Secretary Peter Favila said their version of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) which is called A Responsive and Innovative Strategy for Entrepreneurship (ARISE) which they launched early this year nationwide through its regional and provincial offices.

We also call the program DTI-CLEEP, confided Favila.

The DTI chief joined President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other members of her Cabinet for a joint meeting of the Cabinet and the National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) held March 3 at Boracay Terraces Resort in this island resort which President Arroyo said is the showcase of the country's tourism destinations.

Among the major concerns taken up during the meeting was the status of the Super Regions and the Central Philippines tourism belt.

With Secretary Favila was DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena, Jr.

ARISE was adopted by DTI to help people rise above the effects of the global crisis through entrepreneurship as an alternative source of livelihood with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Project as its vehicle.

Favila said they have started conducting entrepreneurship trainings in the municipalities. Some trainings are conducted right at the DTI provincial offices.

President Arroyo also visited Iloilo where she inaugurated a call center.

The President presided over the joint Cabinet-NAPC meeting that was attended by members of his cabinet including Vice President Noli de Castro, who chairs the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

President Arroyo was warmly welcomed by Aklanons led by Congressman Florencio Miraflores of the lone district of Aklan and Gov. Carlito Marquez together with Boracay Terraces Resort owner Steve Tajanlangit.

While in Boracay, the Chief Executive also visited Shangri-la Boracay Resort and Spa, the first international deluxe resort on the world famous island, to make a pitch for the country's tourism industry, which she said remains strong amidst the global crisis. (PIA 6)

Cabatuan.com - Kasimanwa.com - Diosdado Cadena Jr.