More vendors benefit from Iloilo City Gov’t capacity-building program

An increasing number of market vendors in Iloilo City are gaining the skills and knowledge to improve their businesses, thanks to the city’s capacity-building program, Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA).

Launched in March 2024, UNA is a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip market vendors with essential business skills, helping them enhance their income and sustain their livelihoods. The program is a collaboration between the city government, various national agencies, and private partners like BDO.

To date, UNA has successfully trained 14 batches of market vendors, totaling 327 participants from different city-run public markets. Among them, 69 vendors hail from Iloilo Terminal Market and 70 from Iloilo Central Market—two key trading hubs currently undergoing major redevelopment to create a cleaner, more modern environment.

On February 13, UNA welcomed its 15th and 16th batches, with 50 additional market vendors set to benefit from the program’s specialized training.

According to Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) head Velma Lao, the initiative aligns with Mayor Jerry Treñas’ vision of preparing vendors for the revitalized markets by ensuring they have the skills to offer safe and high-quality products and services to the Ilonggo community.

The training covers a range of critical topics, including work ethics, customer service, food safety, sanitation, digital skills, financial literacy, and business management. The LEDIP Office leads the program with support from partners such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Iloilo City Community College (ICCC), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

As an added boost, each participant receives additional capital upon completing the six-session training, helping them expand or strengthen their businesses.

Through Uswag Negosyo Academy, Iloilo City continues to empower local vendors, ensuring they thrive in the city’s evolving marketplace while contributing to its economic growth.