ACCESSIBLE FACILITY. San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran tries his hand using a piece of equipment provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the launch of the shared service facility (SSF) and toll packaging center at the Tradetown Bldg. 3 in Barangay Dalipe on Thursday. Lynna Joy Cardinal, DTI Antique provincial information officer and in charge of the SSF program, said Friday (July 29, 2022) the SSF, costing PHP2.9 million, will help micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs to have readily available equipment for food processing.(Photo courtesy of DTI Antique) SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique - A PHP 2.9 million shared service facility (SSF) on food processing and toll packaging center was turned over to the local government of San Jose de Buenavista to improve micro small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) access to technology, productivity, and efficiency. The equipment was turned over to the town during the launch program, Lynna Joy Cardinal, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique provincial information officer and in charge of the SSF program, said on Friday. DTI provincial director Ma. Dinda Tamayo and town mayor Elmer Untaran led the activity at the Tradetown Bldg. 3 in Barangay Dalipe on July 28. Initial delivery of equipment for the SSF was made by DTI in 2019 using the fund from the Office of former Antique lone district representative now Senator Loren Legarda. During the launch, additional delivery of equipment such as a gas range oven with hood, an upright display showcase chiller, among others, was completed for the SSF to become fully operational. Since the provincial capital is the trading center, the SSF can also service MSMEs from other towns. "The SSF could encourage business startups to pursue product development because they already have equipment to use until such time that they have their market niche and could afford to buy their own," Cardinal said. She said the town, through their office, would be charging a minimal fee for traders using the equipment for SSF maintenance. (PNA) }