DTI Laguna Expands Grassroots Reach, Delivers Business and Consumer Programs to Sanjos Market

 DTI Laguna Expands Grassroots Reach, Delivers Business and Consumer Programs to Sanjos Market

San Pedro City, Laguna  Expanding its grassroots engagement beyond formal business venues, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna Provincial Office, through Negosyo Center San Pedro City, brought its enterprise development and consumer protection initiatives directly to market vendors and buyers at SanJos Market, Barangay Langgam, on April 20, 2026.

The activity specifically targeted micro-scale entrepreneurs operating within the public market  many of whom remain outside formal support systems  emphasizing DTI Lagunas strategic push to reach underserved sectors and integrate them into the broader MSME ecosystem.

DTI Laguna facilitated an orientation on the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Program, where Negosyo Center Business Counselor Nikki Rose M. Repol outlined the qualifications and incentives available to micro enterprises. The discussion focused on how the program can ease the cost of doing business and encourage market vendors to formalize their operations, enabling them to access government assistance and scale sustainably.

DTI Laguna also reinforced its consumer protection mandate through a focused session on consumer rights and responsibilities. By directly engaging both vendors and consumers in the marketplace, the agency emphasized the importance of fair-trade practices and informed decision-making as foundations of a healthy local economy.

The initiative also opened a dialogue between market stakeholders and the local government. Business Permit and Licensing Office Head Ms. Elsa A. Santos in San Pedro City addressed concerns raised by vendors, particularly on regulatory costs and competition with ambulant sellers. The exchange provided clarity on existing policies and surfaced key issues affecting day-to-day business operations in the market environment.

By situating its services within a public market setting, DTI Laguna strengthened its on-the-ground approach to enterprise development  ensuring that even the smallest businesses are informed, supported, and connected to government programs. The activity reflects DTIs continued commitment to inclusive growth by prioritizing sectors that play a vital role in local commerce yet often have limited access to institutional support (NMRepol, DTI Laguna).