The year’s first batch of local entrepreneurs successfully completed a business mentoring course under the Kapatid Mentor Micro-Entrepreneurship (KMME)-Money Market Encounter (MME) program.
Present during the blended graduation program last May 30, 2025 at the ARDCI Skydeck were Salve T. Tarnate of Pandayan ni Ben in Guinobatan, Bato; Sarah Lyn F. Gianan of Cubiertos by SG Food Hub in Sta. Cruz, Virac; Jane Aubrey M. Andes of Bake Me Up Pastries Shop in San Pablo, Virac; Winjie Tapel of Come and Bite Pizza Hub in Calatagan Proper, Virac; Elaine Grace C. Nomel of Lemon’s Cake & Pastries in Calatagan Proper, Virac; Shiarie D. Ferrer of Sean’s Food Stall in Napo, Pandan; and Erwin T. Bautista of EJ-KC Furniture Shop in Batolinao, Baras.
The eighth graduate, Lito D. Santelices, owner of ANZ Agricultural Products Trading, Calatagan Tibang, Virac, was unable to attend the program as he was in Metro Manila.
Elaine Grace D. Nomel of Lemon’s Cake & Pastries ranked second among the Bicol regional achievers with 45.50 points while Shiarie D. Ferrer of Sean’s Food Stall and Jane Aubrey M. Andes of Bake Me Up Pastries Shop joined Nomel as the top three provincial achievers.
They were among 48 mentees from the Bicol region who participated in this year’s edition of the program that was launched last March 20 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Council for Entrepreneurship (PCE).
Keynote messages were delivered to the graduates by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and PCE-Go Negosyo founder Jose Ma. A. Concepcion, with the online event also attended by DTI Regional Director Dindo G. Nabol and Assistant Regional Director Joseph DL. Ranola.
In her inspirational message, PD Escueta urged the graduates to use what they learned in improving their businesses.
She cited Concepcion’s advice that graduating from the course is not a guarantee of success but is intended to prepare them for the challenges ahead, using the right mindset, right people and the network they have joined.
The DTI Catanduanes chief said that based on their Business Improvement Plans, they need financing assistance and told them to consider applying for loans with government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“Don’t lose hope in the face of difficulties,” she told the entrepreneurs.
On the other hand, Nomel shared that at first she did not know why she entered into business, as baking was only her passion and sideline while working in a hospital and at the same time taking care of their three kids.
Through sacrifices and sleepless nights, she said that she learned during the course and from experience that the customer is always right as they will determine your business’ success.
“We should be customer-focused on products that will have an impact on customers,” she advised her fellow graduates.
“I make sure that quality is the priority,” Nomel stressed. “We go into business to earn but we should make certain that the customer enjoys the product.”