Malacañang has urged micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by rising oil prices to take advantage of a ₱4 billion loan program offered through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said eligible MSMEs may borrow amounts ranging from ₱30,000 to ₱20 million under the program, which is being implemented by the Small Business Corporation.
The loans carry low interest rates and may be repaid within five years. The program also includes a one-year grace period, allowing beneficiaries to defer payment of both principal and interest during the first year.
Recto said the loan facility aims to support businesses that are struggling with higher operating costs caused by the continuing increase in oil prices.
Interested businesses may submit applications online, with processing expected to take seven to 10 days once all required documents are completed.
According to government officials, the program is designed to help MSMEs cope with rising logistics expenses, limited cash flow, and supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing global oil shock.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that bank lending to MSMEs reached ₱574.8 billion in 2025. This accounted for only 4.73 percent of the total loan portfolio of banks nationwide.
Officials said the figure highlights the limited access of small businesses to financing, underscoring the need for targeted government assistance.
The loan program forms part of broader government measures under the UPLIFT program, which aims to cushion the impact of the oil crisis on the business sector and help protect jobs.
