LAOAG CITY, Philippines – More women are availing of the Ilocos Norte government’s loan program for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) under the Gender and Development (GAD) sector of the provincial government.
The loan program dubbed “LACASA Livelihood Program” (LLP) is a financial assistance given to women looking to start up a business in a form of loan with a minimal interest.
Nelida Erice, program personnel, said all women entrepreneurs may apply for loan assistance in the GAD office at the provincial capitol.
“Interested women may apply for loan assistance ranging from P5,000-10,000 with no collateral or at least P30,000 and above with collateral,” Erice said.
Donna Leaño, a small boutique owner of Barangay Pagdilao in Pinili, Ilocos Norte said she was grateful for to have availed of the loan assistance program which is meant to help small-scale women entrepreneurs.
Leaño is one of the latest beneficiaries of the LLP who received at least P10,000 loan from the provincial government with five percent fixed interest rate.
LLP is now included in the province’s Capitol Express where services of the provincial government are brought closer to the community.
“At least 20 beneficiaries from the different municipalities of the province are expected to receive their loan assistance package following an extensive back ground information and evaluation of their application,” Erice said.
The LACASA livelihood program was initiated by the provincial government under the administration of Governor Imee R. Marcos in 2012 to promote gender equality and empower women in development.
