The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 2 in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) launched the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program on March 23, 2017 at the Dea Myles Function Hall, Dubinan West Santiago City.
The program aims to help micro and small entrepreneurs to step-up their businesses by providing them free lectures and mentoring/coaching sessions to be discussed by business owners/ local kapatid mentors on different functional areas of entrepreneurship.
The launching program was participated in by more than 600 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, including the pre-selected mentees. Also present during the event were DTI Region 2 OIC Regional Director Ruben B. Diciano, Executive Assistant IV of Santiago City Mayor’s Office Mr. Paulino M. Tan to represent Santiago City Mayor Joseph Tan, DTI Region 2 provincial directors and personnel, local mentors, and media.
Photo take during the Inspirational Forum with the KMME Mentors (2nd from left) Mr. Arthur Tabbu, General Manager of Lighthouse Cooperative, (3rd from left) Mr. Jose Morante Owner/General Manager of JBM Food Products and (4th from left) Mr. Samuel Arquero Owner/GM of Mid-east Sweets.
Participants were inspired and motivated on the two (2) modules discussed during the event. Mr. Armando O. Bartolome, President of GMB Franchise Developers discussed the Entrepreneurial Mind-setting and Values Formation and Mr. Wilfrido V.E Arcilla, Senior Advisor, WTB Strategic Advisory & Octopus One-Stop Branding Shop gave a lecture on Marketing and Marketing Trends.
In the afternoon, DTI Isabela Provincial Director Ma. Salvacion A. Castillejos discussed the BMBE Law and the overview of the Negosyo Center. An Inspirational Forum and Business consultation were also conducted by national and local kapatid mentors.
During the business consultation, the national or local kapatid mentors were assigned per province to assist, share their wisdom and experiences in successfully operating their businesses.
DTI 2 regional director Ruben Diciano said the Mentor ME program is challenging and requires a bit of sacrifice from the mentees. It will demand time, effort and focus. He encouraged the participants to maximize the opportunity and take advantage of the talents and resources that are provided so that in the end mentees will reap the benefits.
“Set your goal and keep your eyes, your hearts, and your minds focused to achieving that goal. We are here to guide you and to assist you in achieving the vision that you set for yourselves”, he added.
The KMME program consists of 10 modules and 2 activities to be held for three months, all designed to prepare the MSEs for their integration in the value chains of medium and large enterprises.
For region 2, the first two sessions were already discussed during the launching and the remaining sessions will be implemented separately per province. Each province will assist 20 mentees per semester to undergo the KMME program.
To put into practice the learning from the training and mentoring sessions, mentees will be required to produce and present a business improvement plan which will be evaluated by a panel of mentors towards the end of the program.
A separate launching of the KMME Program will be conducted in Basco, Batanes on March 31, 2017.
Participants pose during the launching of the Kapatid Mentor Me Program on March 23, 2017 at Dea Myles Function Hall, Dubinan West Santiago City.