For the first time in its 10-year history, the Kapatid Mentor ME-Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) business course has shifted its focus on a single sector – the creative industry – for the first batch of its 2026 edition.
In Catanduanes, the participants hail from a range of creative domains like traditional cultural expressions, visual arts, design and creative services and belong to sectors such as gastronomy or culinary practices, photography, fashion and accessory making, arts and crafts, cultural and recreational services, live creative experiences, paintings and fine arts.
The lucky eight mentees who attended the online launching ceremony at the ARDCI Skydeck last March 12, 2026 are: Ma. Remons E. Tabirara of Pandan Food Hub (processed meat products); Adrian Vince L. Sugay of A’s Diner (home cooked foods); Genesis F. Efondo of GFC Enterprises (photography); Marydel D. Socito of Kasiram Grill and Restaurant (food services); Emmanuel Teope of Flor Handicrafts (abaca hats); Karlo P. Bagadiong of Blooming Karl’s Event Styling Services (flower arrangement services); Anjhelica P. Magbanua of Arthelica Art Services (painting); and Jocelyn C. Magno of Union of Catandunganon Artists and Talents (painting).
In her message, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Blesila Lantayona noted the special significance of the event as it comes on the 10th anniversary of KMME-MME, the department’s flagship initiative for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
She pointed out that the short-term course bridges the gap between theory and practical application in the real world, with more them 16,000 graduates empowered to become more innovative, stronger and more resilient.
On the other hand, Philippine Council for Enterpreneurship-Go Negosyo Executive Director Anthony Patrick Chua stated that the program would help MSMEs professionalize their business and build networks of their own, with its endgame an increase in sales, jobs and investments.
DTI Bicol Regional Director Dindo Nabol said the 48 mentees are lucky to be selected from among the seven million Bicolanos for the first program-specific edition, a mini-MBA program conducted by accredited mentors and business practitioners.
“Work on the opportunities, be up to it,” DTI Catanduanes Provincial Director Ma. Belma Escueta advised the eight local creative entrepreneurs.
She reminded them to immerse themselves in the idea that the 10-week course is not a joke and that it requires their time and commitment.
“Apply the lessons to your businesses and think forward to what will happen to your businesses five years from now,” she counseled even as the DTI official expressed her expectation that all of them will graduate at the end of the course.