The Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has provided significant contributions to the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since its inception and as such should be expanded and institutionalized to benefit even more entrepreneurs, Senator Sonny Angara said today.
In his sponsorship speech for Senate Bill No. 761, which seeks to institutionalize the DTI’s SSFs program, Angara cited the many success stories that have been recorded since this was first introduced in 2013.
As one of the major pillars of the “big push” for its MSME Development Program, the SSFs were introduced by the DTI provide MSMEs around the country with the machinery, equipment and tools that they need, under a shared system, to boost their productivity and encourage innovation.
“Sa sampung taon na pinapatakbo ng DTI ang SSFs project, napakadami na ang natulungan nito at napakalaki ang ambag sa kapakanan sa ating lipunan. Makikita natin ito sa libo-libong mga maliliit na Negosyo na lumakas ang produksyon at kita sa tulong ng mga SSFs,” Angara said.
A total of P4.3 billion has been allocated in the General Appropriations Act over the past 10 years for the SSF program of the DTI.
Latest data from the DTI shows that 3,484 SSFs have been established across the country, benefitting 580,000 individuals and creating over 317,000 new jobs.
“Marami sa kababayan natin, taglay ang galling, talion, diskarte, pagkamalikhain at lakas ng loob para magtayo ng sarili nilang negosyo, kumite ng malaki, at umasenso sa buhay. Ang problema madalas, wala silang materyales, kagamitan, at kasangkapan para makabuo ng mga produkto o maghain ng serbisyo na pwede nilang pagkakitahan, ibenta sa mercado o i-export sa ibang bansa. Ito ang nais punan ng SSFs ng DTI,” the Senator added.
SBN 761 amends Section 15 of Republic Act No. 6977 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs to include the institutionalization of SSFs program of the DTI and the establishment of more SSF-Fabrication Labs (SSF-Fab Labs).
Fab Labs are facilities that house new technologies such as computer-aided machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines, CNC routers and computers for the use of MSMEs to develop new products or innovations to existing products before these are introduced to the market.
“Ang hangarin sa pagtatayo ng mga Fab Labs ay ang pagbibigay suporta sa mga MSMEs para maenganyo sila na mag innovate. Sa ganitong paraan ay mas marami sa kanila ang makakapag likha ng de kalidad at orihinal na mga produkto,” Angara said.
With the Fab Labs, entrepreneurs can test new products and ideas and develop these until they become market ready.
Through the SSFs, MSMEs, such as those that manufacture food products, are able to come up with better packaging and labelling to make them more attractive to the market.
They are also able to improve their rate of production, which allow them to fulfill their orders on time.
“Most MSMEs cannot afford to purchase the equipment they need to improve their processes. These include sewing machines, ovens, dryers and sealers. With the SSFs, they will be able to have access to these types of equipment so instead of worrying about the costs of production, they can focus on growing their business,” Angara said.
