The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in favor of placing the National Capital Region (NCR) under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) to give way for economic recovery.
“I made this proposal even to the IATF, but as I propose this, I make sure that I clarify that there will be no easing of enforcement and also the minimum health standard,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez stated.
Lopez also suggested giving a chance to other industries, including legal accounting firms and the film industry. The opening of more businesses will make way for the return of more jobs and will reduce the number of people experiencing hunger.
The DTI has requested Php 5.5 billion for 2021 during the budget hearing at the Senate. This proposal has gained the support of senators amid the reduction of DTI seminar activities and international fairs this year.
“Since wala munang biyahe ngayon, baka pwedeng ilipat doon sa helping our small and medium enterprises (Since there is no travel now, we may realign it to help our small and medium enterprises),” Sen. Sonny Angara proposed.
Data from the DTI show that the total unemployment in the country has reached 10 percent or an equivalent of 4.4 million Filipinos while the total MSMEs registered increased to 1.5 million.
Senator Christopher Go appealed to support local manufacturers of face masks and monitor those taking advantage of the prices of in-demand products.
The DTI assured that its consumer protection program, including price monitoring, has already improved despite the COVID-19 pandemic. – Report from Eunice Samonte
