CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pampanga launched yesterday the first-ever “Kapihang Kapampangan” seen to address threats of the global economic crisis.
In a meeting with private business leaders at the provincial office here, DTI-Pampanga OIC chief Leonila Baluyut announced their seven “focus” projects to ensure the improvement of businesses in the province. They are Export Pathways Project (EPP), Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), Small-and-Medium Business Development, Bamboo Development Project, Streamlining Project, Consumer and Welfare and Business Regulation, Strengthening Network with Business and Consumer Organization.
Baluyut said “there is much hope” in Pampanga with the “improved numbers” despite the global economic meltdown.
He disclosed that among the seven Central Luzon provinces, Pampanga was able to achieve one percent increase in the export business. In the six other provinces, there was a negative number in their respective export business.
Among the guests were Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) President Rene Romero, PamCham Director Jim Jimenez, Randy Viray of the PhilExport in Region III and Pampanga Association of Supermarket and Groceries (PASGA) President Freddie So.
Jimenez, for his part, said PamCham had been helping traders and unemployed workers from looking into other alternative source of income with seminars.
Romero, on the other hand, said PamCham helped improved the business climate with advocacy on good governance.
He downplayed reports that the province had been adversely affected by the global crisis.
“Sometimes we say things not true affecting our businesses. We should not be defensive but be offensive, continue doing trades,” added Romero.
But Baluyut said Pampanga had a fare share of displaced workers. Citing the report of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), she disclosed that there a total of 3,837 workers displaced since late last year.
Baluyut said the garments industry topped the list with 1,315 displaced workers, followed by the electronics sector with 926.
In a meeting with private business leaders at the provincial office here, DTI-Pampanga OIC chief Leonila Baluyut announced their seven “focus” projects to ensure the improvement of businesses in the province. They are Export Pathways Project (EPP), Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), Small-and-Medium Business Development, Bamboo Development Project, Streamlining Project, Consumer and Welfare and Business Regulation, Strengthening Network with Business and Consumer Organization.
Baluyut said “there is much hope” in Pampanga with the “improved numbers” despite the global economic meltdown.
He disclosed that among the seven Central Luzon provinces, Pampanga was able to achieve one percent increase in the export business. In the six other provinces, there was a negative number in their respective export business.
Among the guests were Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) President Rene Romero, PamCham Director Jim Jimenez, Randy Viray of the PhilExport in Region III and Pampanga Association of Supermarket and Groceries (PASGA) President Freddie So.
Jimenez, for his part, said PamCham had been helping traders and unemployed workers from looking into other alternative source of income with seminars.
Romero, on the other hand, said PamCham helped improved the business climate with advocacy on good governance.
He downplayed reports that the province had been adversely affected by the global crisis.
“Sometimes we say things not true affecting our businesses. We should not be defensive but be offensive, continue doing trades,” added Romero.
But Baluyut said Pampanga had a fare share of displaced workers. Citing the report of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), she disclosed that there a total of 3,837 workers displaced since late last year.
Baluyut said the garments industry topped the list with 1,315 displaced workers, followed by the electronics sector with 926.
