The income of “sari-sari” (neighborhood sundry) stores in Negros Oriental is expected to rise following Wednesday’s successful nationwide launch of the Tindahan Mo: e-Level Up Mo Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson, said sari-sari store owners are the focus in DTI’s latest initiative, as they are at the “lowest tier” of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.
“The sari-sari store is usually the go-to outlet in the neighborhood for our basic commodities and in this digitalization age, they need to level up so they can thrive and contribute to our economy,” Bato said in an interview.
She said the program paves the way for sari-sari stores to use cashless or mobile payments through G-Cash or Pay Maya, direct purchases with suppliers through online transactions, and expand their markets through online selling.
During the launch, 241 sari-sari store entrepreneurs from Negros Oriental gathered at designated areas in the cities and towns for the first module, “e-level Up ang Negosyo.”
The onsite participants were from Dumaguete City (50), Bindoy (21), La Libertad (27), Dauin (24), Amlan (28), Valencia (16), Bais City (31), Siaton (38) and Sibulan (6).
The local government units (LGUs) provided the venues for the participants, while the DTI set up the technical requirements.
Two “add-ons” that highlighted the activity in this city were the presentation of Small Business Corp.’s loan windows intended for sari-sari store owners and other MSMEs.
SB Corp. is the DTI’s in-house financing department that provides loans to qualified agency clients at lower interest rates, with easy filing of loan applications online.
Smart Wireless, in partnership with DTI, also introduced its Smart Ka Partner Mo package, solely intended for sari-sari stores to improve their internet connectivity at special promo rates.
The DTI is optimistic that more sari-sari store owners will participate in the four modules scheduled for October this year.
These are the “e-Level Up ang Online Marketing” on July 24; “e-Level up ang Puhunan on Aug. 28; “e-Level Up ang Paninda on Sept. 25; and “e-Level Up ang Operations” on Oct. 23. (PNA)
