LAGAWE, IFUGAO– Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Valentin Baguidudol has urged business owners in Ifugao to take up the cause of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and promote growth and development in the province’s impoverished 11 towns.
The DTI Ifugao head sounded out this message at the launching recently of the Kapatid Mentor ME seminar program at Kiangan, Ifugao.
Baguidudol gave a handful of suggestions and recommendations to program participants on how to gain from innovative business ideas and opportunities from noted lecturers who are aptly called mentors.
Baguidudol expressed his full support for the realization of the aspirations of business owners for a better future. He said part of the DTI’s “great help” mechanisms would be given to information dissemination program. “It will be backed by the provisions of the Go Negosyo Act,” he said.
“This is part of our effort to assist entrepreneurs realize their dream of having a gainful business and being an active partner of the government in the task of nation-building. Their designations as ‘mentees’ would help determine what appropriate measures to institute to effectively promote growth and development in many communities, most especially marginalized ones,” Baguidudol told ZigZag Weekly.
For their part, the mentees vowed to work harder for their families and loved ones and ultimately be helpful to the local economies.
Seminar training programs as the Kapatid Mentor ME are often more desired than other initiatives of the public sector. And in business, capacity-building measures are everything.
The ten-module program here will open new opportunities and challenges, Baguidudol says.
“I learned a lot from the initial modules presented to us right after the launching program at JME Gardens in Barangay Bolog in Kiangan. We are more than willing to learn more,” a mentee asserted.
For instance, the module on human resources and organization management is seen to strengthen knowledge of relations with personnel and fine tuning the nuts and bolts of running a business firm- big or small.
Growing up in Ifugao, many of the mentees grew accustomed to traditional ways of starting up and subsequently operating a business. It’s not every day that business owners actually learn the fundamentals and even latest developments and trends in handling business ventures at no charge.
Through a partnership with Sen. Bam Aquino, the DTI has been harnessing the expertise of knowledgeable mentors from Metro Manila and Baguio City to boost what- for most of the populace- is seen as a decidedly “crucial time” of reinventing the conduct of business operations.
Baguidudol added that the partnership with other key entities in the public and private sector is crucial at showing entrepreneurs how to achieve greater productivity with even a relatively small capital.
Will the Kapatid Mentor ME program build on the enthusiasm and dedication of this batch of business owners gathered from various towns of Ifugao?
The fact is, government is gaining a lot from these endeavors since improved business performance means higher revenues for it.
The program modules will be taught by distinguished mentors with extensive knowledge in their field, the goals of the program are to equip entrepreneurs and invariably their beneficiaries with the proper techniques, mindset and values, practical knowledge and strategies in business, trade and commerce. It is also intended to provide consultation services between the mentors and mentees to foster successful and sustainable business ventures. These are just some of the benefits of being part and parcel of this unique program. This is the prize of being a mentee- all for free.
Added knowledge, in various forms, triggers immeasurable benefits.
All told, the Kapatid Mentor ME program has pushed the mentees further and further than ever before. Just like in the previous batches, many are truly glad to have joined the program. This early, the men and women of the DTI-Ifugao office are grateful to the mentors for going the extra mile in helping build a better economy for Ifugao.
Many of the mentees were in ecstatic mood when they learned that their batch will enjoy and benefit free quality entrepreneurial instruction from top-caliber mentors.
Small wonder, a stimulating, rewarding and conducive environment was provided by mentors John Bolla, Grace Canave, Milagros Cardona, Joel Cambasa, Victor Madlangbayan, Arestina Morado, Clark Nebao, Christine sagay and Henry Tenedero.
This certainly augurs well with the fact that the mentors themselves are highly-motivated self-learners. For the most part, they have manifested strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Thus far, the mentees have shown successful entrepreneurial and managerial responsibilities after completing seven modules. They include Shirley Tagtag of Hojap Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Louiellen Hazel Batton of 7th Heaven, Karen Allaga of Purple Pastriez, Karen Bantiyan of Ifugao Apotheary Herbs, Lorena Tucpi of LOPA Organic Market, Grecilia Ananayo of EKOLIFE-Ifugao, Emily Rose Tappan of Tappan’s Food Enterprises, Aldrick Hagada of Kusina Asipulo, Ocelyn Cacanindin of Jinggoy’s Cakes, Donna Taguiling of Donaymaya’s Food Processing, Sherwin Malanta of Sabeth’s Luscious Treats, Psalm Ann Domilod of Psalm’s Homemade Delight, Mariflor Capuyan of Musuem Restaurant and Enterprises, Lilia Dulnuan of Lilia’s Processed Foods, Joyce Bulligan of Watzy Antique and Furniture, Lilian Kimmayong of Kristian Handicrafts, Arlene Dulnuan of Jan Alexis Builder and Development, Judy Nalula of Woodgreen Engineering and Construction, Myrna Laj-han of Ifugao Good Shepherd Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Chuck Cawagdan of Zoie and Zyr Computer Shop and Enterprises, Shirley Dinamling of Baess Enterprises, Barbara Dugay of Prima Care Pharmacy, Alegria Diagan of Isabel General Merchandise, Alice Bulawan of LABTDWA, Concepcion Maddul of Solo Parent Association, Asunta Dog-ap of Azon’s Gift Shop, Kathrine Bayong of Cyke Weaving Products, Edith Udan of Traditional Gift Shop, Analiza Niploy of Ayan’s Inabol Gong and Accessories and Marina Cappuyo of Tuwali Etnika.
The mentees’ most famous local buys are goods and services enriched with love and affection for ethnic culture and Philippine society. These quite exquisite produce are readily available in many places in this upland Cordillera province.
Three insightful modules to go and the Business Investment Program (BIP) presentation and the culminating program (to cover product exposition and graduation rites) on April 13, 2018 at the Palazzo Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Lagawe, and the mentees are off to go for greater challenges ahead of them in a not-so-distant future.
Inspired by DTI-Provincial Director Baguidudol, the province’s Kapatid Mentor ME program is undoubtedly a major national pride because of its consistency of molding well-meaning, top-notch entrepreneurs. It is also known for producing quality business owners who are globally competitive which simply means they’re ready for gargantuan challenges which come after their grueling learning experience for a period spanning three months.
Happiness and contentment after receiving their certificates of participation in this much-sought-after, results-oriented, self-help training program does not end during the graduation ceremony. Overwhelmed by the strong backing and motivation extended by DTI-Provincial Director Baguidudol and his staff, the mentees are out to prove their ability to compete with the rest and the best following their nearly impressive performance at the Kapatid Mentor ME program. Never mind even if there were few instances of getting late in class or not answering questions of the mentor. **By Anthony A. Araos
