LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were inspired to thrive in their respective businesses and not let setbacks serve as losing moments, but rather as learning avenues during the 1st Benguet Provincial Livelihood Program Summit.
“We never lose, either we win or we learn,” said Michael Del Rosario, Franchisee of McDonalds in Baguio and Benguet and General Manager of Hotel Veniz, during his inspirational talk, underscoring that it is a matter of having the right mindset when venturing into business.
Del Rosario also talked on the theme “Innovate to Elevate MSMEs,” highlighting that to innovate is not only for the purpose of being different, but must be for a reason.
On the other hand, Elmer Macalingay, proprietor of Health101 Restoreant, shared some of his experiences in business, making it a springboard for the learning of the local MSMEs.
He also discussed how to have a proper mindset and how to be an entrepreneur, sharing the characteristics of an entrepreneur, including curiosity, willingness to experiment, innovative thinking, and others, which he summarized to being a “Taraki.”
Meanwhile, Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, in his message, expressed his gratitude to the local MSMEs for their contributions to the local economy.
Also, while mentioning some of the programs of the province in livelihood, he also encouraged them to submit their proposals for support and further development of livelihood programs and projects, underscoring innovation.
This series of livelihood capability-building programs spearheaded by Governor Diclas through the Ad Hoc Committee on Livelihood chaired by Board Member Marie Rose T. Fongwan-Kepes aims at responding to the needs of local entrepreneurs, farmers, and MSMEs in the province.
In attendance were Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas and Provincial Director Felicitas O. Bandonill of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Business Mentors Dean Micahel T. Cuanso and Iloisa R. Diga, and also representatives from various government and non-government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Small Business Corporation, and Grab, who conducted a serbisyo fair, bringing their services to the MSMEs.
Also part of the said summit is a mini trade fair that will run until Friday, July 19 at the lobby of the provincial capitol.
The said 1st summit, in partnership with the DTI, was held at the Gov. Ben Palispis Auditorium, Benguet Provincial Capitol, Poblacion, on Wednesday, July 17. By JWA
