The Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, has rolled-out the “Mentor Me Program” in the province of Cavite at the 2/F Activity Center, the District Imus, Cavite last September 20, 2016.

“The Mentor Me Program is one of the components of the KAPATID Program, which aims to develop micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises through coaching and mentorship,” said DTI Cavite Director Noly D. Guevarra in his welcome message.

CALABARZON is the first region outside the Metro Manila to launch Mentor Me. The program brings together experts and industry leaders who will provide a series of free mentoring sessions on incorporating innovation in products, services, operation processes, business models, and other aspects of entrepreneurship for aspiring and current entrepreneurs.

“The goal for today is not just for the participant to learn the important aspects of business but to also network with other entrepreneurs, business owners, and the private and government agencies,” said DTI CALABARZON Director Marilou Q. Toledo.

Ms. Sherill R. Quintana, President of ORYSPA Spa Solutions, Inc., gave a lecture on entrepreneurial mindset and values formation. She emphasized the importance of opening and knowing one’s self, being teachable, and doing the action now.

“There are many good brands in the world but very few great brands. The difference lies in the founder’s ability to transform passion into enterprise,” Ms. Quintana said.

More than 350 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs joined the free business seminar. The program included the CALABARZON Mentor Me Pilot Batch Graduation, discussion on business marketing by Go Negosyo Angelpreneur, Mr. Victor Madlangbayan, sharing of success stories from Ms. Remia V. Adedoja of Remdavies Entreprises, Mr. Jeric B. Bermudez of R. Cabrera’s Gifts and Collections, and Mr. Jesus Jose, Jr. of Bakeology, and business consultations and one-on-one coaching sessions from speakers and local mentors such as Ms. Virginia Enriquez, Mr. Eduardo Panulin of the Lasallian Community Development Center of the De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, and Mr. Khervy Reyes of the Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office.

“After Laguna and Cavite, we expect that the next Mentor Me Program will be in Rizal, Quezon, and Batangas as the region continues to move forward,” DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya said in her inspirational message.