30/10/2026
DTI R2 BATANES, LGU SABTANG FORGE STRONGER PARTNERSHIP FOR ENTERPRISE AND LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT
The DTI R2 Batanes and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sabtang strengthened their continuing partnership through a coordination meeting focused on bringing government programs closer to communities, supporting livelihood initiatives, and advancing the competitiveness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), held at the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Office, Sabtang Municipal Hall on 27 October 2026.
The engagement commenced with a courtesy visit to Municipal Mayor Hon. Teresita C. Neyala, followed by a program that highlighted the shared commitment of DTI and the LGU to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development in the municipality.
In her welcome remarks, Mayor Neyala conveyed the LGU’s continuing support for initiatives that benefit local entrepreneurs, fisherfolk, and other community stakeholders. On the other hand, DTI R2 Batanes OIC Provincial Director Tessie Isidra A. Guitering emphasized the value of sustained and stronger collaboration in ensuring that government programs, services, and livelihood opportunities effectively reach the people of Sabtang.
The activity was attended by LGU department heads and officials, including Designated Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer Adelina C. Abanador, Public Employment Service Office Manager Yvonne Penelope C. Candel, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Irving D. Halago, and Hon. Jerold Figura, representative of the Committee on Trade and Industry.
Representing DTI R2 Batanes were Business Development Unit Head Liz Minerva F. Raterta, Consumer Protection Unit Head Meryll A. Hortiz, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Coordinator Engr. Jayvee Lanchon, Negosyo Center Business Counselor Brenda F. Neyala, and Trade and Industry Development Specialist Silvester T. Miguel.
During the meeting, TIDS Miguel presented DTI Programs, Activities, and Projects, providing the local government officials with an overview of the agency’s available interventions and support services on Business Development, Consumer Empowerment and Investment Promotion. The discussion also identified opportunities for closer coordination in enterprise development, livelihood assistance, consumer protection, and the promotion of Sabtang’s local products.
A major highlight of the activity was the mapping cm profiling of coconut growers and processors in Sabtang through the assistance of LGU Municipal Agriculturist. This was followed by the awarding of livelihood kits to beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Facilitated by DTI, the assistance is intended to help beneficiaries establish or strengthen their income-generating activities and improve their sources of livelihood.
Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Clemente C. Ladreza Jr. reaffirmed the importance of cooperation among national government agencies, the municipal government, and community stakeholders in advancing local development.
As part of its continuing engagement in the municipality, DTI R2 Batanes also conducted a Consumer Education and Information activity for the Grade 12 students of Sabtang National School of Fisheries, focusing on their consumer rights and responsibilities.
The activity was opened by OIC Provincial Director Guitering, while the discussion was facilitated by STIDS Hortiz, who equipped the students with essential knowledge to help them become informed, responsible and empowered consumers.
Following the consumer education activity, the DTI R2 Batanes team conducted a Shared Service Facility site visit at the Tubho Processing Facility to assess its operations and identify areas where further technical assistance and other interventions may be provided.
The team also held consultations with the Sabtang Weavers Association and local bukayo producer Rosalinda F. Homigop to understand their current operations, challenges, and development needs. The discussions explored potential assistance in product development, enterprise upgrading, market access, and other business development services for the Homestyle and Wearables, Food Processing, and Coconut.
Through these coordinated initiatives, DTI R2 Batanes and LGU Sabtang have continually built an even stronger partnership that supports fisherfolk, strengthens community-based enterprises, preserves local products and traditional industries, and creates sustainable economic opportunities for Sabtangeños.
DTI R2 Batanes remains committed to working closely with LGU Sabtang and its local to ensure that entrepreneurs receive the assistance they need to grow, innovate, and thrive while contributing to the municipality’s long-term economic development.
Provincial Government of Batanes Radyo Pilipinas Batanes Municipal Government of Sabtang Public Employment Service Office - Province of Batanes DTI Region 2