BACOLOD City — A local business leader has raised concerns over the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) loan program push, warning that the initiative could further burden entrepreneurs already grappling with rising costs.
Frank Carbon, vice president for government affairs of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said the government should prioritize stabilizing the prices of basic goods rather than encouraging businesses to take on additional debt.
“The DTI should work closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure sufficient supply and fair pricing of food, electricity, and water,” Carbon said.
He stressed that this is not the right time to offer loans with interest, but instead to subsidize production and selling prices—especially for farmers and fisherfolk—to help sustain businesses and protect jobs.
Carbon also suggested tapping funds from the unprogrammed budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act to support subsidies rather than financing loans.
“This is not the time to profit from lending to struggling Filipinos,” he added.
Citing what he described as an ongoing food and energy crisis, Carbon emphasized the need for input subsidies for the agriculture sector.
He proposed that the DTI, in coordination with local governments, strengthen Kadiwa centers to purchase produce at fair prices and sell them at cost to consumers.
“Instead of loans with interest, this will ease the burden on businesses,” he said.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque attended the National Services Caravan held on April 24 in Barangay Handumanan, organized by the Office of Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, where she encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the agency’s newly launched financing programs.
Roque said the DTI is offering several loan facilities, including the OFW Negosyo Fund, which allows borrowers to access between P2 million and P5 million without collateral, along with a one-year grace period on principal and interest payments.
Other programs include the Enterprise Fund for women entrepreneurs, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Business Fund, and an e-transport loan designed to help small operators and drivers transition from traditional jeepneys to electric vehicles.
Applicants may access these programs through the Small Business Corporation’s official website.
The caravan highlighted the importance of making government services more accessible.
Benitez described the initiative as a significant step in delivering essential services directly to communities, with support from various government agencies, including the DTI.
“Together, we continue to make public service more accessible and closer to the people,” he said./PN
