To further assist local micro, small, and medium enterprises in marketing their products and help them augment their losses due to restrictions amidst the pandemic, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), together with the Department of Science and Technology, inaugurated an all-in store at Paseo de Paoay.
The “PGIN OneSTore Hub” is an initiative of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Office (MSMEO), in partnership with the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Center (INvest), that will serve as a warehouse facility and display area of local products from different MSMEs in Ilocos Norte; help them increase their sales, prepare their products ready for export, and jumpstart their business operation.
“We have teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in establishing an E-commerce platform to assists MSMEs in expanding their market both locally and internationally.
With the help of “oneSTore,” all locally produced products of Ilocos Norte will be put together in a site, its price stated, where buyers are free to select and choose their own taste according to their level of satisfaction,” SME Officer Ms. Elma O. Gabriel stressed.
One of the highlights of the said ceremony was the awarding of a one (1) unit vending machine and four (4) units of RxBox Telemedicine Device by the DOST for the “OneSTore Hub.” The telemedicine device is a multi-component program (biomedical device, electronic medical record system and telemedicine training) designed to provide better access to life-saving healthcare services in isolated and disadvantaged communities nationwide, which is among DOST’s efforts for a “Smarter Philippines”.
Likewise, customers were distributed with reward cards that allows cardholders to earn points for their patronage in the stores, and earn reward points that can be used to avail member exclusive discounts and promos.
A total of 34 MSMEs and farmers’ associations comprise the “PGIN OneStore Hub.”
“This project is in line with the efforts and the directions that we at the Provincial Government have taken in this pandemic, so we are grateful to the DOST for gifting us these pieces of equipment, and for enabling and equipping us to take this one step further with the assistance of science and technology.
We know that the future of medicine will be heavily reliant on telemedicine so this is a welcome development in Ilocos Norte and we look forward to supporting and working with the DOST to improve the lives of the Ilokanos,” Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked.
DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña also graced the said launching, alongside Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Mr. Rosario Quodala, and DOST Regional Director Dr. Armando Ganal, among others. – Stewart C. Ocampo, PGIN-CMO
