The city government here has rolled out a barangay-based entrepreneurship training program that could help budding traders start and improve their businesses.

Dubbed “Fernandino KayaBIZ Program,” the undertaking is a new flagship project of the City of San Fernando Pampanga (CSFP) Investment Promotion Office, in cooperation with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council of San Fernando.

It aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to start-up entrepreneurs to boost their competitiveness and at the same time, enhance the local economy.

City Tourism and Investment Promotion Officer Ching Pangilinan said some 50 start-up entrepreneurs from Barangays Lourdes, Sto. Niño, Dolores, San Jose, Magliman, Sto. Rosario, Sta. Teresita and Julianna attended seminars and workshops on skills and manufacturing of different products on Wednesday, facilitated by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-certified trainers.

The first batch of entrepreneur trainees was taught to make dishwashing liquid, liquid hand soap, liquid detergent and fabric conditioner.

They will also receive PHP4,000 worth of materials to manufacture their products and begin their small businesses.

“The city government is conducting this program as a way to help our aspiring entrepreneurs to start and further develop their products and help in boosting the city’s local economic development,” Pangilinan said in an interview.

Meanwhile, she said more training will be conducted in batches in which some 200 aspiring entrepreneurs are expected to participate.

“All interested participants are encouraged to inquire and contact their respective barangays to join the program,” Pangilinan said. (PNA)