34
The right to social security of the workers in the informal economy/ sector
The Reboot Package for Online Enterprises is a flagship program of the DTI, which
promotes online business from traditional ways of doing business in order to increase the
number of online merchants and e-commerce shoppers.91 The CTRL + BIZ Reboot Now! offers
a series of webinars targeted to MSMEs who need to transform their business digitally.92 ASec.
Tolentino noted that this platform will be effective and that all Filipino entrepreneurs,
whichever sector they may belong in, should be capacitated on e-commerce or online enterprise
especially during this time of the pandemic.
The Shared Service Facilities (SSF) is a flagship program of DTI which aims to
improve the productivity and efficiency of small enterprises through access to better
technology. It provides eligible cooperators with machinery, equipment, tools, accessories, and
other auxiliary items under a shared system. This is open to the informal sectors, however, they
have to be part of an association or cooperative to avail the saif program.93
Under the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay or Livelihood Seeding Program, ASec.
Tolentino reported that as of 06 April 2021, the program has already covered 1,758 barangays
and assisted 20, 338 MSMEs.94 This program allows for a wider reach of business development
assistance by bringing government services closer to the people through partnerships between
relevant local government units and DTI officials.95
As of the end of February 2021, ASec. Tolentino shared that the Pangkabuhayan sa
Pagbangon at Ginhawa, which helps the victims of calamities rebuild their business, has
already assisted 20,350 clients, conducted 3,546 trainings, provided 22,402 livelihood kits, and
utilized a total of Php 19.4 million of the fund. 96
Another program that the DTI has launched is the One Towan, One Product or OTOP
Philippines. This program enables communities to determine, develop, support, and promote
products or services that are rooted in their local culture, community resource, creativity,
connection, and competitive advantage.97 As of March this year, 61 OTOP hubs have been
established, which assisted 2,836 MSMEs and generated a total of Php 17,315,859.18.
ld.
ld.
93 ld.
94 Id.
95 Department of Trade and Industry, available at https://www.dti.gov.ph/negosyo/lsp-nsb/ (last
accessed 3 September 2021)
96 Consultation with the representatives of the national government agencies, supra note 40.
97Department of Trade and Industry, available at
https://www.dti.gov.ph/negosyo/otop-ph/ (last
accessed 3 September 2021)
91
92