BALANGA CITY – To support families in preparing for the upcoming school year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) organized the Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan at Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga in Bataan.
A total of 67 entrepreneurs, retailers, distributors, and micro, small, and medium enterprises joined the event. 48 participants came from Bataan, seven from Marikina, three from Manila, one from Pampanga, and eight from Nueva Ecija.
They offered a wide selection of discounted school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and other essential goods.
DTI Bataan Provincial Director Eileen Ocampo emphasized that the caravan stood out from other DTI initiatives because it became a collaborative effort with various partners and stakeholders.
“What makes this caravan special is that it has become more than just a DTI project. It has turned into a shared program with our partners who continue to support us wholeheartedly,” Ocampo said.
She expressed her gratitude to all contributors, including the exhibitors, the local media, and the city government of Balanga, for their active participation and cooperation.
“This has become a true example of ‘bayanihan’—everyone is doing their part. The local media is helping spread the word, our exhibitors are offering quality goods at lower prices, and our local government partner is providing vital support,” she added.
Leticia Gesem, a 68-year-old exhibitor and member of Balanga City’s KAANIB Program in Barangay Cataning, expressed her gratitude to the DTI and the city government for giving them the opportunity to earn a living.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami dahil dating wala kaming trabaho o pinagkakakitaan pero dahil sa programa na KAANIB at sa programang ito ng DTI, nagkakaroon po kami ng kita at kabuhayan lalo na po kaming mga kababaihan (We are thankful because we used to have no jobs or source of income, but through the KAANIB program and this program of the DTI, we are now able to earn and have a livelihood, especially we women),” she shared.
Romer Mendoza, a 39-year-old exhibitor from Bataan who sells herb products, also thanked the DTI for the opportunity to promote and sell their products.
He acknowledged the agency’s support through various training programs and expressed interest in joining future financial literacy or coaching sessions if given the opportunity.
The Diskwento Caravan aims to make school essentials more affordable for Filipino families while promoting local businesses and fostering community collaboration. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)