SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Atty. John Aquino, DTI Zambales Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad, and SBMA OIC–Ecology Center Roselle Abuyo, Olongapo City Tourism Head Fifi Legazpi and I-Pilipino CEO/Founder Monette Faltriguera Cruz lead the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during the Zambales Summer Fair at Harbor Point Ayala Malls in Subic Bay Freeport, marking strengthened collaboration in support of local MSMEs.
By: Dante M. Salvaña
Subic Bay Freeport — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales showcased its key accomplishments for the first quarter of 2026 while reinforcing its commitment to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through active participation in the Zambales Summer Fair held on May 4, 2026 at the Activity Area of Harbor Point Ayala Malls.
The Summer Fair gathered government leaders, private sector partners, and stakeholders in a unified push to promote local enterprises and stimulate economic activity across Zambales and Olongapo City.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Harbor Point General Manager Engr. Lesly P. Manalo, followed by messages of support from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Business Group Atty. John Aquino, SBMA OIC Ecology Center Roselle Abuyo, James T. Lee, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Jr. Private sector representatives, including OZMAC Business Manager Roel Cagurungan and I-Pilipino CEO/Founder Monette Faltriguera Cruz, also underscored the importance of strengthening local enterprise development.
Highlight activities included the awarding of certificates, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and a “Kapihan” session that fostered dialogue between entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
During the event, DTI Zambales presented its first quarter accomplishments anchored on consumer protection, fair trade enforcement, enterprise development, and digital innovation.
Among the key highlights was the agency’s price and supply monitoring, which showed stable market conditions across the province. Monitoring of 65 groceries and supermarkets covering 234 items revealed no significant price increases, with all establishments compliant with government-set Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs). Of these, 53 items were priced below SRP while 181 remained within the prescribed levels. Retailers also confirmed sufficient inventory levels ranging from three to eight weeks, with no disruptions in supply despite oil price hikes and no incidents of hoarding or panic buying reported.
DTI Zambales also intensified enforcement of fair trade laws, inspecting 73 firms to ensure compliance with mandatory product certification standards. Only one establishment was found with a violation and was issued a Notice of Violation, underscoring the agency’s strict regulatory oversight.
In consumer protection efforts, the agency accredited 84 Service and Repair Enterprises (SREs), ensuring that businesses meet technical standards and that consumers are protected from substandard or unethical services. A total of 138 sales promotion permits were also processed and monitored to prevent misleading advertisements and fraudulent schemes.
On the advocacy front, DTI conducted 82 consumer awareness campaigns, including seminars on consumer rights and responsibilities, the rollout of Project YACAP in partnership with the Department of Education, and capacity-building initiatives for rebuilding centers in coordination with the SBMA Ecology Department.
The agency also strengthened partnerships through sustainability-driven initiatives such as the CashCycled Project, which promotes proper waste management and recycling in schools while generating funds for environmental and consumer programs. The project’s initial rollout covered four districts in Zambales, marking a significant step toward community-based sustainability.
In line with digital transformation, DTI Zambales launched the DIGITAL CARES Module, a comprehensive guide designed to educate consumers—especially the youth—on responsible consumerism, online safety, and fair trade practices. Complementing this is the “Trade Talks: Kasangga, Ka-Negosyo, Ka-Trabaho at Ka-Konsyumer” program, aired on local radio and digital platforms, which expands access to business and consumer education across the province.
The agency also highlighted major initiatives supporting MSME growth, including the rollout of frontline services during the “Lab for All” event at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, the launch of the upgraded Shared Service Facility at the Polytechnic College of Botolan for digital fabrication and product innovation, and the introduction of Project METRO (Monitoring, Enforcement, and Tracking Resource Online), a system designed to modernize fair trade enforcement through a data-driven approach.
According to DTI officials led by Assistant Secretary Dominic R. Tolentino Jr., Regional Director Edna Dizon, and Provincial Director Enrique Tacbot, these initiatives demonstrate the agency’s strong commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and consumer-friendly local economy.
The Summer Fair further emphasized the importance of collaboration among government, academe, and the private sector in creating more competitive business environments.
With sustained programs and strategic partnerships, DTI Zambales continues to empower MSMEs, strengthen consumer protection, and drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the province.