Manila, July 10 -- A total of PHP4.22 million worth of loans has been extended by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its financial arm, Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), under the Women's Enterprise Fund (WEF).

The loans were extended to 24 women entrepreneurs, who will utilize the fund to put up or expand their variety store, garment business, pharmacies, beauty salons, and cafes and restaurants

DTI said the initial PHP8 billion disbursement under the program will be taken from SBCorp's Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Enterprises, Unleash your Powers (RISE UP) program, a financial facility under WEF.

SBCorp has allocated PHP1 billion for WEF.

The program provides loans up to PHP5 million without collateral, whil...