During the recent launching of "An Innovative Strategy for Entrepreneurship" (ARISE) spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here, Tanco pledged some P2 million for the micro lending assistance program to the SMES here.

ARISE is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), which is designed to protect the most vulnerable sectors from the threats and consequences of reduced or loss of income as a result of the global crisis by providing emergency employment and funding and supervising livelihood projects.

The amount will be channeled to the Capiz Small and Medium Enterprise Development Center for micro-lending to existing and would-be MSMEs, with a pass-on annual interest rate of 8 percent per annum, DTI Capiz Information Officer Ken Queennie Cuñada disclosed.

Cuñada also said that the Capiz SMED Center is also submitting to Roxas City mayor Vicente Bermejo a P1-million micro-lending project proposal for MSMEs in the city.

During the launching, DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes announced a series of lectures and training on entrepreneurship in the various towns of Capiz to improve the skills and competencies of entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, Cuñada announced that the Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (CMPCI) was recently declared as Masigasig Awardee for 2008 being an Outstanding MSME in the Visayas.

The CMPCI, headed by Lily Ong, was known for its successful export activities of cut foliage in Japan since 2005.

Mrs. Edna Viterbo, the cooperative's export manager, represented the group during the search which was sponsored by the DTI and Globe.

Cuñada also revealed that the CMPCI received P30,000 cash prize, trophy and Globe bundle kit for winning the award.

Earlier, National Anti-Poverty Commission Chair Domingo Panganiban stressed the need for all LGUs and NGOs to help in enhancing livelihood and employment opportunities for poor and middle class workers who will be affected by the global crisis. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)