BAGUIO CITY – Business cliniquing, consultations, sharing of entrepreneurial challenges for more than four hundred small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) transpired during the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) “Project Kapatid, Mentor Me (Go Negosyo) Roll-out program,” at Hotel Elizabeth last week.
The GoNegosyo program is anchored on Republic Act 10644 which endeavors to “foster national development, promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty by encouraging the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), facilitate local job creation, production and trade in the country.”
Information and services in training, financing, marketing, technology transfer, management guidance and the establishment of assessment feedback mechanisms are included in the program. Start-up businesses for youth and women, and barangay micro-enterprises are also in the program.
During the Baguio forum, stories and challenges were also shared by bamboo craft and furniture proprietor Carlo Balneg, Kalinga coffee processor Brenda Claver, t-shirt magnate Angelisa Calalo, Atty. Alexander Bangsoy of Goshenland and educator-businessman Dr. Virgilio Bautista.
Among the entrepreneurial characteristic for success are having initiative, the pursuit for excellence, eye for quality products, record keeping, confidence, risk-taker, resilience, application of effective time management.
Having intelligent, emotional and adversity quotient are also important, proprietor of Duran Farms Agribusiness and Training Center of San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Daisy Dulay added.
Victor Madlangbayan, Special Programs Consultant shared personal experiences, as with linkages to government agencies for his entrepreneurship programs.
Mentoring for guidance and support, maximization of potentials, continuous learning and partnerships with government and other agencies were also advised.
DTI Kalinga Provincial Director Grace Baluyan spoke of the Negosyo Center Program, as with Regional DTI Director Myrna Pablo.
Gianina Napo, Program Development Officer, Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship gave the Go Negosyo briefer. Other sponsors spoke of their linkages with various offices; Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Youth and Women Commission, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), microfinance and banking groups.
SMEs may contact any DTI office for assistance, it was assured./Julie G. Fianza
