Cooperatives in Marawi City receive mobile rice mill, power tools

MARAWI CITY, Sep. 24 (PIA) -- Cooperatives in this city received mini mobile rice mills and power tools from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI targets to distribute eight mobile rice mills and 14 assorted power tools with stand shelves.

Haron Ismael, president of Sugodian Farmers and Fisherfolks Multi-purpose Cooperative, conveyed gratitude for the assistance they received.

"Masaya ako dahil itong mga gamit (power tools) na ito ay magagamit ng aming mga kasama na may skills sa masonry at carpentry. Maraming salamat sa DTI at Task Force Bangon Marawi sa tulong na binigay nila," said Ismael.

[I am happy that these power tools will be utilized by my fellow members who have skills in masonry and carpentry. Thank you to DTI and Task Force Bangon Marawi for the assistance they provided us.]

To date, 95% of the 50,090 target beneficiaries of DTI already received livelihood assistance. The agency has distributed various livelihood starter kits such as sewing machines, bigasan kits, carinderia kits, baking kits, sari-sari store kits, popcorn kits, masonry and carpentry kits, tile setting kits, school supply kits, and e-loading kits.

Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI Special Concerns Group and Trade Promotions hopes that the assistance will help the internally displaced persons start a business.

"Nanawagan ang DTI sa mga beneficiaries nasa sana alagaan at magamit nila ito sa kanilang pagbangon dahil ito ay makakatulong sa kanila at makapag-umpisa ng kahit maliit na negosyo," said Macatoman.

[DTI calls for the beneficiaries to utilize well the assistance for their recovery and to help them start even a small business.]

Meanwhile, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. shared his appreciation for the continuing support of the agency even during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

"It is important for us in TFBM that we have been distributing kits and livelihood kits to IDPs. Kahit na may COVID, ang DTI tuloy-tuloy ang distribusyon [Even during the COVID pandemic, DTI continues the distribution," he said.

To encourage the internally displaced persons who recently received the assistance, DTI recognized the successful beneficiaries who made their business grow using the starter kits.

Save the Children Philippines also committed in providing assistance the IDPs through their partnership with DTI. (LELA/PIA ICIC)