Kapatid Mentor Me Program, strengthening MSMEs in Cavite

“Teach the people how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”—Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu

Conveying same ideology to such famous quote is the Kapatid Mentor Me Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) which was launched on August 24, 2018 at the Events Center of Fora Mall in Tagaytay City for MSMEs in the province.

During the opening program, Ms. Carina Virtucio, Supervising Trade and Industry Development Specialist, enlightened participants in her opening remarks on behalf of DTI-IV-A Regional Director Marilou Q. Toledo, encouraging the third batch of mentees to finish all the modules required in the project. She said that teachings on the different aspects of business will surely make them more confident entrepreneurs in the future.

Prior to the session proper, PCE Marketing and Programs Development Officer Paul De Guzman provided an overview of the Kapatid Mentor Me Project, underscoring the significance of proper change of mindset and attitude to help MSMEs bloom.  Mr. De Guzman also shared how entrepreneurs can learn through the free negosyo seminars and trainings in order to acquire business linkages and embrace the culture of optimism.

For the first module, an Entrep Champ and Owner of VCargo Worldwide, Mr. Paulo Tibig focused mainly on Entrepreneurial Mindsetting and Values Formation. Mr. Tibig discussed barriers that can hinder success in the business operation as well as shared useful guidelines to overcome those blockades. He told mentees to avoid negative qualities including the “ningas kugon” trait, laziness, fear and the love-taking-short-cuts-attitude, emphasizing that right mindset plus correct attitude simply equates to success. A short quote that says “Dream without action is just a dream, plan without action remains to be a dream,” concluded Mr. Tibig’s lecture.

Meanwhile, Ms Jennifer Wieneke, Director for Marketing of Tokyo Tempura added motivation to attendees with her discussion on Marketing for the second module. She stressed out the importance of identifying the 4Ps in business and creating persona for analyzing various market needs and wants. Ms. Wieneke shared their journey on how their business continues to flourish and cope up with the global competition through the help of innovative marketing ideas.

With two topics concentrated on enhancing MSMEs competencies, the event also invited successful entrepreneurs in the province who also stirred the interest of participants with their success stories. Mr. Nelson Noceda of the La Noceda Food Products, Inc. told that when a business suffers with challenges, one must always remember to have patience because when an individual feel so down, there’s no other way but to go up. Likewise, Mr. Nico Amora of E-harvest Corporation put emphasis on the value of being persistent as the business goes along since the path to take is not a smooth one. Lastly, Ms. Merlie Del Mundo, owner of Merniel’s Food Products advised everyone to avoid the fear on venturing into what you love, and on starting over again, more importantly if it’s your family that drives you to be better and stronger.

The event also became a venue for business clinic, with certified local mentors comprised of Atty. Khervy Reyes and Ms. Liza Gabatan from the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO) providing consultation for free alongside the two resource speakers Mr. Tibig and Ms. Wieneke. They were also joined by Mr. Kenneth Fernandez of TIDS, BSMED who explained the BMBE Law.

Thanking everyone who made the Kapatid Mentor Me Program launching successful on behalf of DTI-Cavite Director Noly Guevara was Ms. Revelyn Cortez, who also expressed the agency’s commitment in giving continuous assistance that will uplift MSMEs, strengthen business links and intensify programs that will further fuel economic development in the province.