The Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) chaired by Gov. Joy Bernos focused on the improvement of the priority industries in Abra such as bamboo, coffee, cacao, processed fruits and nuts, wearables, and homestyle products during their quarterly meeting at the Negosyo Center Conference Room, DTI-Abra, Bangued on March 28, 2019.

The council is composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Abra and other partner agencies, stakeholders, and SME representatives.

There were more than 800 SMEs of the priority industries directly assisted by DTI-Abra in 2018

DTI-Abra and partner agencies provided product development, marketing, and technical assistance to these SMEs to be more competitive and sustain their production and business.

This meeting was participated by 20 members including representatives from the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), and Department of Sciences and Technology (DOST).

PENRO can help SMEs to strengthen the production of raw materials through the National Greening Program implementation.

PENRO gave its commitment to enhance the plantation and propagation of bamboos and trees that will help SMEs to sustain the source of their productions.

The PSMEDC will continue to support SMEs who have an important role in boosting the economy and provide employment and livelihood opportunities to the community.