TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Fifteen local entrepreneurs were awarded their certificates from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Kalinga after their completion of the three-month mentoring program, in a ceremony held earlier today at the Grand Zion Garden Hotel and Resort.
The mentors gave advice on entrepreneurship to these batch 2023 graduates, covering topics like business law, taxation, marketing, operations, human resource, and entrepreneurial accounting and financial management. They also covered entrepreneurial mindset formation and values.
The Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprise (KMME)-Money Market Encounter Online Program is one of the government’s strategies to boost economic activity focusing on the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to push the economy to greater heights.
Mentees were expected to develop their Business Improvement Plan (BIP) during the course of the three-month mentoring and coaching sessions, and then present it to a panel for feedback.
Miguel Vargas, the owner of MV Arts and Signs, and Jajie Bula-ay of Jajie’s Native Fashion gave motivational messages on how their companies started out small and developed into larger, prosperous businesses.
In a message read by Aurora Amilig, the city information officer, Mayor Darwin Estrañero urged the graduates to keep aiming for greater heights. It focused on the fact that there will be setbacks in business or any new ventures but he advised the young entrepreneurs to embrace them as part of the process and make them their stepping stones to future accomplishments.
“Learning is a continuous process…so be proactive, innovative, passionate and resilient in pursuing your dreams…and keep pushing boundaries, and never settle for mediocrity,” she further stated.
Atty. Jessie Mae Gumilab, Governor James Edduba’s representative, emphasized that the mentees’ participation in the program demonstrates their drive to grow their businesses.
“This is a significant step to further your knowledge, and innovate and re-create your business,” she further stated.
Following the messages, Provincial Director Renie Ramos, acting on behalf of DTI Kalinga, awarded the certificates of completion and special recognition to the 15 KMME graduates, namely:
Miya Anjela Yumul (most active), Marilou Lisalis (best pitcher), Benalyn Mabanag (shining star), Julie Banao (best marketing strategy) Marjorie Ang-ang (most improved mentee), Melchor Dumalyong (most diligent), Jovelyn Tinio (exceptional listener), Susalyn Ocden (stone award), Marilyn Nahgab (design and creative), Esmael Pablo (dynamic award), Micah Joy Mahener (lumen award), Bernadette Apaling (most challenged mentee), Aimee Gaddao (best effort) were recognized.
Additionally, Susalyn Ocden and Julie Banao received awards and recognition from DTI Kalinga for having the greatest business improvement plan out of 41 mentee graduates in the region, placing them second and first, respectively. Banao also testified that she was the fourth person in the region to give the greatest business plan. Ocden also gave a brief testimony, sharing her own story of the difficulties and triumphs she had starting her business.
The DTI hopes to promote job prospects in rural areas, boost value-adding activities and new ideas, and improve entrepreneur productivity through its MSMEs capacity building program. By Darwin S. Serion
