Makati city: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has introduced a PHP3-billion loan facility aimed at supporting Filipino exporters in their quest to enhance production and upgrade equipment, thereby boosting global competitiveness.
According to Philippines News Agency, the launch of this program aligns with the recent growth in Philippine exports, which saw a 7.9 percent increase in January, reaching USD7.1 billion. This growth comes after a record USD84.41 billion in exports was achieved in 2025, driven by robust demand for electronics, minerals, and agro-based products.
At the launch event held at the DTI office in Makati City, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque emphasized that the financing program is designed to provide exporters with the necessary resources to sustain growth and explore new markets.
The new loan facility complements other DTI financing initiatives, such as the PHP2-billion Negosyo Fund for Overseas Filipino Workers and a loan program for women entrepreneurs, which has already disbursed approximately PHP2 billion in loans. Roque highlighted that the OFW facility is intended to aid workers in establishing businesses and recovering from unexpected challenges.
Set to be available from March 12, 2026, the exporters' loan program will offer loans ranging from PHP30,000 to PHP20 million. Concurrently, the loan facility for women entrepreneurs targets predominantly micro and small enterprises, which constitute the majority of businesses in the country.
In a move to empower women entrepreneurs, Roque presented checks worth around PHP21.6 million to 15 women-led businesses during the event.
