NEGROS ORIENTAL — The story of Subida Souvenirs is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Behind the beautifully crafted bamboo mugs, engraved wooden art, and native toys is a deeper narrative of a couple’s love for culture, community, and the Filipino artisan. At the heart of it all are Michael and January Alano, a married continue reading : From Craft to Community: The Heartfelt Rise of Subida Souvenirs in Negros Oriental
CENTRAL VISAYAS — DTI Region 7 Central Visayas officially launched the third batch of its Digital Services Entrepreneurs Advancement Mentorship (DREAM) program in a virtual ceremony held via Zoom on Friday, June 20, 2025. The program welcomed 14 new mentees from across the region: 3 from Bohol, 7 from Cebu, 3 from Negros Oriental, and continue reading : DTI 7 launches third batch of DREAM Program to empower Visayan creatives
CEBU CITY – Demonstrating a commitment to ethical business practices and consumer welfare, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu Provincial Office honored thirty-one (31) exceptional retail establishments with the prestigious Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for the 2024 Awardees in a formal awarding ceremony held on June 18, 2025, at the Golden Prince continue reading : DTI Cebu awards gold Bagwis seals to outstanding retailers championing consumer rights and responsible business
From humble beginnings in Lapu-Lapu City, Eco Nuestra Homemade Products has grown into a local food brand with a strong presence in Cebu, Bohol, and parts of Mindanao. Behind its success is Edward C. Odron, a former OFW in South Korea, whose passion for cooking led him to a life-changing entrepreneurial journey. Edward started his continue reading : Eco Nuestra Homemade Products: From Home Kitchen to Market Shelves
BOHOL — Jose Marlou Suyman is not just the founder of a thriving furniture business, Suyman Wood Products in Tayong Occidental, Loay, Bohol, but a pillar of resilience. He mentors his team and acts as strong inspiration to fellow fathers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. In 2008 with nothing more than ₱15,000 in borrowed capital and continue reading : A Father’s Touch: Carving Dreams into Reality
CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in partnership with Cebu Technological University (CTU) – Argao Campus, officially launched the upgraded Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Handloom Weaving on May 20, 2025, reinforcing efforts to preserve Cebu’s rich handloom weaving tradition while boosting local economic development. With a total project cost continue reading : DTI 7 and CTU-Argao launch upgraded SSF for Handloom Weaving to sustain Cebu’s textile heritage
CEBU CITY – On May 8, 2025, the Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), officially launched the Artificial Intelligence Fabrication Laboratory (AI FabLab), the first of its kind in Central Visayas under the DTI-Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program. This landmark initiative integrates AI with continue reading : DTI 7, CIT-U launches region’s first AI FabLab
Central Visayas, 28 March 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in collaboration with implementation partners The Company and Dual Story, officially launched the eighth cohort of the STARTUPISLAND.PH (SIPH) program, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and beyond. With 16 promising startups selected for this continue reading : DTI 7 launches STARTUPISLAND.PH Cohort 8, empowering 16 new startups
Siquijor – Twenty years ago, the residents of Barangay Catulayan, Timbaon, and Cangmunag were primarily farmers raising livestock. Their lives changed when their area was identified as a Poverty-Free Zone. Recognizing its suitability for cow farming, the National Dairy Authority proposed the formation of a group that would receive dairy cows, raise them into mother continue reading : Women in action: Nourishing the nation, one drop at a time
CEBU, 21 March 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Cebu (UP Cebu), proudly launched the Tatak Pinoy UP Cebu Materials Innovation Center (TP-UPCMIC), also known as MATIX UP Cebu. This initiative is a significant step in advancing the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) continue reading : DTI 7 and UP Cebu launch ‘MATIX’ to drive materials innovation under Tatak Pinoy Program