“You may fall but you have to learn from these failures.”
This was one of the nuggets of wisdom imparted by officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Council for Enterpreneurship (PCE) Go Negosyo to the graduates of the KMME-MME Online 2024 Batch 2, including eight mentees from Catanduanes.
Expressing optimism with the economy under the present administration, PCE founder Joey Concepcion said graduation does not ensure success but every stakeholder in the business mentoring program is looking forward to helping graduates succeed.
DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona advised the graduates to scale up their businesses, take inspiration from each other and avail of assistance in technology, market engagement and financing as she assured the commitment of the two agencies as well as the mentors.
On the other hand, DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol pointed out that the graduation last Dec. 13, 2024 is timely as it would enable the graduates to start the New Year with the implementation of their Business Improvement Plans (BIPs).
“The BIPs are not mere decorations in the room or files in your laptop,” the official said, as he challenged program coordinators to be strict in monitoring the BIP implementation, emphasizing that the government invested resources in their finishing the mini-masteral course in business.
The bottom line, RD Nabol stated, is for the graduates to earn more income, expand their business, generate employment, and attract investments.
Present during the ceremony at ARDCI Corporate Inn were Carlos Tejerero Jr. of Ant.trep IT Solutions, Kathleen Ann Bobis of K & B Ventures, Inc., Priscell Queen Rienna Domingo of Cravings Food Corner, Carla Jean Barba of CJ Food Hub, and Paulo James Malto of Mizuna Restaurant. The other three graduates – Cheress Albaniel of Med Express Pharma & Medical Supplies Trading, Czarina Mae Condeno of Catanduanes Halfway Resort Hotel and Luzviminda Tapar of Oguis Handicraft Manufacturing- joined the event online.
DTI Catanduanes Provincial Director Maria Belma Q. Escueta, KMME Provincial Focal Person Geraldine Bagadiong and DTI staff were on hand to steer the event held simultaneously in all regions.