The Calamba Manpower Development Center (CMDC) with the 300 students from the orientation.

Calamba City — The Calamba Manpower Development Center (CMDC), in collaboration with the Laguna Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Laguna), successfully conducted its Livelihood Orientation Program at the Lina Lajara Chipeco Hall Central II in Calamba City, Laguna, on June 14, 2024.

The event was attended by over 300 students and trainees who are potential business owners from various fields such as Metal Arc Welding, Bread & Pastry Production, Food & Beverages NC II, Hair Care, Massage Wellness, Beauticians, Contact Center Services, Teaching English, Culinary Arts, Aircon Technicians, Electricians NC II, Dress Making NC II, Hairdressers, and Computer Aided Designs & Mechanics.

The program began with encouraging opening remarks from the Department Head of the City Social Services, Ms. Celina Manabat, stating that “We want you to listen and learn from this seminar…so please follow the house rules, so that you will go home not empty-handed.”

Unfortunately, Hon. City Mayor Roseller Rizal was unable to attend the event due to the numerous graduation ceremonies he was attending. However, his message was delivered by his Executive Assistant. The message conveyed encouragement to the participants who aspire to learn from the program and become successful business owners someday. It also included a message of hope, assuring them that the good government of Calamba will always be there to support them every step of the way.

The seminar was facilitated by Mr. Lawrence Flores, DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counselor of Santa Cruz. The program covered a range of essential topics designed to prepare the attendees for entrepreneurship.

One of the key topics was “Business Ideas,” which was discussed by Ms. Trixia Mae Sulte, Business Counselor from Negosyo Center Liliw, aiming to set the participants’ minds on the field or type of business they wanted to pursue.

300 students listening to the speaker talk about the topic "How to Start Your Business"

The next topic was “How to Start Your Business,” discussed by Ms. Avegail Agojo, Business Counselor from Negosyo Center Bay, wherein essential insights into the key steps for starting a business, including the necessary procedures and requirements, were provided.

Additionally, a discussion on DTI Programs and Services was also tackled, giving the participants with valuable insights into the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as a business partner, detailing the various programs and services offered by the DTI to support entrepreneurs. Then, Consumer Education was discussed by Mr. Kim Carlo Palacio, Business Counselor from Negosyo Center Siniloan, emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of consumers, providing crucial information to help attendees understand and navigate consumer protection laws and regulations.

After the participants had ideas on what business to choose, understood how to start their business, learned about DTI programs and services, and grasped the rights and responsibilities of consumers, the final topic “The Entrepreneurial Mindsetting” was delivered by Ms. Lyka Grace Postrado, Business Counselor from Negosyo Center Victoria. Postrado began her topic with an entertaining activity designed to showcase the participants’ creativity and innovativeness—key traits for an entrepreneurial mindset. Furthermore, she explained the difference between the mindset of a business owner and that of an entrepreneur. The interactive discussion inspired participants by presenting examples of successful entrepreneurs who started from nothing and rose to the top of the business world.

The sessions were highly interactive, with participants eagerly engaging in discussions. A question-and-answer portion was also facilitated, providing valuable insights and addressing the concerns of the participants. This comprehensive program aimed to equip the attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully start and manage their own businesses.

In conclusion, the livelihood orientation program of CMDC, in partnership with DTI-Laguna, made a significant stride toward empowering aspiring business owners on their journey into the business world. DTI remains committed to its mission of enabling innovative, competitive, job-generating, and inclusive businesses, while also empowering consumers. ♦

Date of release: 24 June 2024

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