Article by Ronnel N. Padasas
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Samar State University, through the Research Center for Culture and Social Issues (RCCSI), convened with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a consultative meeting on April 2, 2024 at the SSU Research Innovation Center, Audio Visual-Tech Room.
The session, dubbed as “Driving Economic Growth: Business Coordinators Stakeholder Consultative Meeting,” and aimed to engage with stakeholders to provide R&E-based assistance on organizational management and product development initiatives were attended by 18 participants.
Also present in the event were RCCSI Director Prof. Maria Rubi M. Parrocho; and DTI Provincial Director, Engr. Meilou C. Macabare who moderated significant concerns raised throughout the session including the need for training sessions and access to resource speakers with expertise in handicrafts, skill creation, root crop and processing, marketing, and value-added product development. Organizational issues related to finance, processes, transparency, accountability, and market research were also highlighted.
Future activities following the consultative meeting will be under RCCSI’s USWAG Samar (Upscaling Society’s Welfare in Advancing Economic Growth in Samar) program as the consultation resulted to the stakeholders identifying key challenges affecting their business ventures and offices, and exploring strategies and potential solutions to the issues raised.