Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, chairperson of the Senate Finance Subcommittee C, tackles the proposed 2017 budget of the Department of Trade and Industry amounting to P7.95 billion, which is 20 percent higher than the agency’s current budget of P6.64 billion, during a public hearing, October 24, 2016. The DTI’s 2017 budget, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, is geared towards boosting employment and entrepreneurship in the country as a means to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos and alleviate poverty. Also in photo is former Senator Serge Osmeña. (PRIB Photo by Cesar Tomambo)