The Samahan ng mga Magsususman ng Baler (SMB) in Aurora province recently received a boost for the production of their famous “Suman” as the Department of Trade and Industry Aurora provincial office (DTI Aurora) provided the group with new equipment for the processing, production and storage of sumanunder the agency’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program.
On March 23, 2021, DTI Aurora represented by OIC Provincial Director Aldrin Veneracion and SMB President CharitoBernardino signed a Memorandum of Agreement and Usufruct Agreement for the provision of Shared Service Facilities by DTI to SMB members. The facilities amounting to Php 454,000 given to the group include a vacuum sealer, chest freezer, cassava grinder, coconut grater, electric steamer, mixer, cooling rack with trays, presser, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) burner and accessories. Mayor Rett Angara of Baler, Aurora witnessed the MOA signing together with Buhangin Barangay Captain Michael Capin and Municipal Agriculture Officer Susan Rutaquio.
Under the SSF program, the DTI will provide the beneficiary group or cooperator with facilities or equipment which they can use to facilitate and improve their production. The facilities shall be shared in use by the group members or other food processors. Under the conditions of the program, the group cooperator will maintain and manage the facilities to keep it in working condition for the benefit of its members and users of the facilities.
The DTI is continuing its facilities support to MSMEs in the province of Aurora despite the temporary decrease in tourism based businesses, especially those near the beaches of the province. Through the provision of the new SSF, the sumanmakers of Baler, Aurora are expected to increase their production and sell more of their food products to other towns and provinces in Central Luzon.
