THE Pangasinan Enterprises Development and Productivity oundation, Inc. is committed to help boost the growth of small and medium enterprises in the province.

This was reiterated during the PEDPFI meeting Friday attended by agencies and private sector representatives directly involved with SMEs.

PEDPFI Chairman George Cham said the Kasanayan para sa Kababaihan para sa Kaunlaran-One Stop Shop (KKK-OSS) program was doing good but still needs more support.

He also happily noted that the Dagupan Business Center which houses the foundation, is self sustaining.

The Department of Trade and Industry, the lead agency, for its part said it already has its own design center for SME products.
DTI Provincial Director Peter Mangabat reported during the meeting that the ‘One Town, One Product (OTOP) project has already covered al towns of the province with each town having its unique product showcased nationally.

Mangabat said his office is also promoting ICT as a big employment-generating strategy. He noted that Dagupan City’s Malimgas market and the Maresville building in barangay Tambac are being eyed as venues for call center operations. He also said Urdaneta City is making negotiations with call center companies.

The group was briefed that the newest innovation for SME promotion is the SME Website. Member agency Bitstop Networking Services offered to host the web page for an annual fee of P2,400. The purchasing of products online and delivery of such, however, has yet to be finalized in succeeding meetings.

The Department of Science and Technology presented the SMEs which have availed of DOST support since 2001. For its part, the Philippine Information Agency headed in the province by Infocenter Manager Behn Fer. Hortaleza will support the Foundation in the promotion of the PEDPFI programs.

Other member agencies present were Infinite Corporation, Philgerma, Colegio de Dagupan, Evergreen Travel and Tours, the provincial government of Pangasinan and City government of Dagupan and former PEDPFI Director Jaime Lucas. (Venus May H. Sarmiento PIA-Pangasinan)