DTI to Launch P150-M MSME Packing Hub in Butuan

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch a P150-million shared service facility for micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) packing and labeling needs to help streamline their production processes. The facility, located in Butuan City in Mindanao, will serve as a One-Stop Printing Hub serving the Caraga Region, the DTI said in a statement on Thursday. The facility, aimed at boosting MSME competitiveness, forms part of the DTI’s Shared Service Facility Program in partnership with Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan City. FSUU, which will serve as the DTI’s cooperator, is tasked with providing the infrastructure and technical support to operate the facility. The DTI plans to create more packaging facilities in the Philippines to help MSMEs compete in both local and global markets, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said. DTI Caraga is also planning to roll out FSUU MIRACLE, which will provide small-time business owners with access to packaging design, label development, commercial printing, die-cutting, packaging fabrication, prototype production, and technical assistance on branding and packaging improvement. About 99% of businesses operating in the Philippines are MSMEs, but many lack the financing and resources to scale. With the FSUU MIRACLE, smaller firms can improve product presentation and comply with labeling standards at lower costs. This would also help MSMEs better sell their products in trade fairs, electronic commerce platforms, and export markets, the DTI said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz