In line with Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc.’s (YFI) strategy to make increasingly active contributions to the sustainable development goals and regional economic recovery, Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc.’s (YFI PH Inc.) in partnership with DOST-VI is implementing a pandemic response program entitled Bakal Lokal.

Bakal Lokal bridges MSMEs, producers, delivery services, advocacies, and consumers using modern technology and strategies.

As quarantine and lockdown measures reveal business continuity and sustainability challenges on local businesses, transportation providers, and consumers, Bakal Lokal will not only focus on providing a platform but also in developing the capacity and potential of our partners through our awareness campaigns and capacity building training.

The project desires to promote decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) along with responsible production and consumption (SDG 12) in Western Visayas. The challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an urgency to the implementation of this project.

Under the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) fund of DOST VI, YFI PH Inc. will implement the program in Region VI starting in Iloilo City for the first year of the project.