THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is asking for a 50-percent increase in its budget to expand programs for small businesses and heighten consumer protection initiatives.
Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said he personally attended budget meetings to appeal for a 50-percent fund hike for the DTI. If approved, it will be utilized to bankroll the trade body’s programs for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“I myself attended the technical meetings to make sure we communicate the importance of critical programs in MSME development, like the SSF [Shared Service Facilities] and Negosyo Centers,” Lopez told the BusinessMirror.
“If we really want to achieve more inclusive growth, we need stronger organization at the grassroots level. We are talking of municipality level, and to the extent possible, even down to the barangay level,” he added.
A 50-percent increase would put the DTI’s budget next year at about P7.24 billion, from the P4.83 billion this year.
According to Lopez, the DTI is targeting to fill in the balance of over 1,400 municipalities that are still without Negosyo Centers. The trade body also has to employ workers for vacant plantilla positions in the existing 1,070 Negosyo Centers.
Over one-third of the DTI’s P4.83-billion budget, or P1.83 billion, is allocated for MSME development programs.
Consumer protection
Lopez is also asking for higher funding to get more consumer protection officers. He argued this is crucial at a time authorities are intensifying efforts against substandard products, particularly construction materials.
“Additional funding is needed for our consumer protection program because, as we know, the DTI is not only tasked to take care of businesses, but also consumers,” the trade chief said.
This year the DTI’s budget for consumer protection programs is P449.3 million. It also has funding for consumer education and advocacy initiatives at P95.12 million.
“Overall, the increase we want in the DTI is about 50 percent largely on higher capital expenses,” Lopez said.