Iba, ZAMBALES — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales successfully conducted a learning visit to the NCR Model Negosyo Center in Makati City on March 6, 2026, as part of the Department’s continuing efforts to strengthen Negosyo Center operations and enhance inter-agency collaboration.
The delegation was led by Provincial Director Enrique D. Tacbad, together with Business Development Division Chief Evangeline Bulda, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist (STIDS) Adrielle Dominguez, Trade-Industry Development Specialist (TIDS) May Joy Policarpio, and Negosyo Center Business Counselor Katherine Dizon.
DTI Zambales was also joined by its valued partners and stakeholders, including Mr. Roderick Dayap of RB Dayap Leoncia’s Furniture Shop; Ms. Analyn Payumo and Ms. Maureen Ariem from the San Marcelino Tourism Office; Mr. Vincent Acayan of the Polytechnic College of Botolan; and Ms. Eliza Cresa Manuel of the Olongapo Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO).
The learning visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to observe best practices in the delivery of Negosyo Center services, explore innovative approaches in MSME development, and strengthen collaboration with partner institutions to better serve entrepreneurs in the province.
On the same day, the delegation also visited the Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, together with local furniture makers from Zambales. The visit allowed participants to gain exposure to emerging trends in furniture design, product innovation, and potential market opportunities in the furniture and creative industries sector.
Insights gained from the visit and industry exposure are expected to contribute to the development of more competitive and market-responsive products from local manufacturers, further supporting the growth of the province’s furniture and creative industries.
DTI Zambales remains committed to building strong partnerships and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) toward greater competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability.