SAF 44 Families Assisted Through Business Training

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to provide assistance to the families of the 44 Special Action Forces (SAF), who died during an encounter with rebel troops in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said that the DTI have already extended assistance to the families of the policemen and that it had been in full swing right after the tragedy.

“We assure that the commitment of assistance to the families of the SAF 44 by the Department has been provided and will continue to do so,” Maglaya said. “Majority of the families signified interest in starting livelihood enterprises, thus, project proposals have been prepared by the DSWD and endorsed to DTI for validation. These proposals were submitted to the Presidential Management Staff for approval and funding.”

Services such as trainings, seminars, consultancy services, through the SME Roving Academy (SMERA), facilitating of business name registrations, and business permits, among others have been delivered to the families of the policemen.

Whether the families have an existing business that they want to expand or are still planning to put up one, the Department will help assess what would be best for their business.

“Through our provincial offices, we asked them what their needs are and helped them assess what’s the best business for them. That’s where we come in,” she said.

Maglaya made it clear that the DTI did not provide financial assistance but rather trainings, counselling on how to put up their businesses and grow them, and help how to manage their finances.

“Our help is more on counselling. We’ll help them in putting up their business and we also provide technical assistance and follow up training programs,” she said.

The Undersecretary also urged the families to consult the Negosyo Centers in their respective provinces, which provide the same assistance. (DTI)