BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-CAR in coordination with the CONSUMERNET and the Philippine Federation of Bakers’ Association Inc. (PFBAI) will launch the project “ Pinoy Pandesal” on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at the Benguet State University Gym in La Trinidad.

            The launching will coincide with a Bakers’ Training Seminar & Financing Forum. The seminar aims to introduce low cost, locally produced flour for pandesal making.

            It is also intended to orient potential bakers as well as upgrade the capabilities of existing bakers in producing quality products and help them avail of financial support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) under the Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) program.

            New as well as existing bakers, interested individuals are all invited to join the seminar. Interested participants are advised to register at the DTI-CAR office or call telephone numbers 443-65-49 and 443-87-09, the seminar is free of charge.

The activity is being conducted in line with the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month. DTI Secretary Mar Roxas is expected to grace the launching of the Pinoy Pandesal by DANE’s Bakeshop. The seminar will start at 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 p.m. Aside from baking, among the topics to be discussed during the seminar will be an introduction of Purefoods Harina de Pandesal to be given by Mr. Jules Gregorio and Ms. Angela Gloria, product evaluation to be discussed by Atty. Wilfredo M. Clemente of DTI, nutrition value presentation by DOH-CAR, how to put up a model bakery by PFBAI, loan program (SULONG) c/o BDD-DTI-RO.