The Ilocos Times

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the list of suggested retail prices (SRPs) of Noche Buena staples for information and guidance of consumers on November 11, 2020 in light of the Christmas season. The price guide includes products such as ham, fruit cocktail, keso de bola, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, pasta—spaghetti noodles, elbow, and salad macaroni— spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and all-purpose cream. “In the midst of the pandemic, the spirit of Christmas will continue to draw many of our consumers to buy their favorite noche buena products for their families to be served on their tables. Thus, the Department assures the public of the availability of supply and stability of prices of these items,” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. Prior to the release, the DTI Consumer Protection Group reviewed the prices and the proposals of some companies for price increases. Acco

Amidst inclement weather whipped up by typhoon Jenny, residents of Paoay, Ilocos Norte participated in the "Negosyo sa Barangay" launching in Brgy. Veronica, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The program aims to develop people in underserved communities to become successful entrepreneurs. (Photo grab from DTI-Ilocos Norte Facebook Page) By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Paoay, Ilocos Norte —The Dept. of Trade and Industry launched the second “Negosyo sa Barangay” for the province at the Paoay Civic Center in this town. The launch attracted at least 350 budding and would-be entrepreneurs from this town’s different barangays. Amidst inclement weather, DTI acting provincial director Rosario Quodala said the huge number of participants shows how resilient the Ilocanos are. “A few days ago, everyone was disquieted, bowing to the roaring floodwaters. But today, they came because they don’t stay down and their hope and faith never cease,” said Ms. Quodala after

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter LAOAG CITY—Representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry is reaching out to underserved communities to help them become savvy entrepreneurs. Starting a business is quite challenging with so many requirements but to simplify government processes, Acting DTI provincial director Rosario Quodala said they are rolling out the “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay” (NSB) program in various parts of the province particularly in barangays under the 4 th , 5 th and 6 th -income classification municipalities. Since July 26, 2019, Ms. Quodala reported the agency is coordinating with prospective local government units in Adams, Carasi, Currimao, Bangui, Paoay and Banna for the launching of the NSB. “NSB aims to see small businesses in the barangay to go mainstream and be empowered,” said Ms. Quodala citing current DTI programs, services and plans they are bringing to the barangays to increase people’s access to trade and indus