The Department of Trade and Industry in Caraga Region (DTI-13) is aggressively ramping up economic support across the region, approving 20 new Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) in 2025 valued at P208.4 million to supercharge agriculture, fisheries, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The massive investment signals DTI-13’s intensified push to strengthen grassroots industries and expand livelihood opportunities.
“Of the 20 approved last year, five are about to be operationalized as finalizations are being made with the concerned group beneficiaries,” said Brenda Corvera, DTI-13 assistant regional director, in an interview during the conduct of the Stakeholders’ Forum here Wednesday.
Corvera further emphasized the agency’s growing footprint, noting that as of December 2025, DTI-13 had implemented more than 200 SSFs across Caraga. Of these, 131 have transitioned into cooperatives, 80 remain under maintenance, and 36 are fully operational — a clear demonstration of the program’s expanding reach and sustained impact.
During the forum, the agency reported that SSF-assisted enterprises have already generated around 1,102 jobs, underscoring the program’s concrete contribution to job creation and local economic expansion.
Among the standout beneficiaries is the Mangagoy Farmers, Fisherfolk and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO) in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, a group that has steadily scaled up operations through the program. The cooperative produces and markets fresh-frozen and bottled tuna products, strengthening the region’s fisheries value chain.
“We have been a beneficiary of the SSF program since 2014 and have already received two facilities,” MAFFISCO manager Rho Cougee Garrido said.
The cooperative received critical equipment, including an ice crusher and cold storage facilities worth over PHP2 million — investments that significantly enhanced its production and preservation capacity.
“These facilities are vital in preserving our members’ catch and processing our products,” Garrido said, adding that MAFFISCO’s goods now reach markets beyond Surigao del Sur with DTI’s support.
With stronger logistical capabilities, MAFFISCO has expanded its market reach and actively joins trade fairs and marketing programs organized by the agency to widen its commercial footprint.
DTI-13 also reported that 55 Negosyo Centers have been established across the region, assisting approximately 32,459 MSMEs — further cementing the agency’s aggressive drive to empower local enterprises and accelerate regional economic growth.
DTI PHOTO