The Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Occidental Mindoro, celebrated this year’s MSME Week from July 1 to July 4. In line with the national theme “Innovate to Elevate: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Growth,” the event focused on fostering innovation and collaboration, aiming to strengthen the province’s economy and create opportunities for both established and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The week-long celebration kicked off with an opening program led by Vice Governor Diana Apigo-Tayag, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, DTI Provincial Director Noel DR Flores, Provincial Administrator Muriel Reguinding, and Engr. Cristina Tajonera from the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office. Following the ceremony, a Financial Literacy cum Disaster Resiliency seminar was held at Tamaraw Hall, and was attended by 40 multi-sector MSMEs. Professors from PUP Sablayan and OMSC-Mamburao shared invaluable insights, equipping participants with essential knowledge to sustain and grow their enterprises.

Day 2 featured a Mobile Photography Workshop at the Triple King Hotel in Mamburao, led by DTI-Negosyo Center and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and was attended by 25 MSMEs. Simultaneously, a GMP and HACCP Awareness Seminar was facilitated by DTI and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-MIMAROPA aimed to enhance the competitiveness of the local tuna industry. A total of 28 participants attended the seminar, composing of 15 buying station operators, 5 leaders of fisherfolk associations and 8 representatives from municipal and provincial agricultural offices.

On Day 3, another session on Mobile Photography Workshop was held in Sablayan, which was participated by 17 MSMEs. Meanwhile, 30 students from PUP-Sablayan and Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) engaged in the Youth Agri-preneurial Seminar organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-MIMAROPA at the Training Center, Provincial Capitol, Mamburao.

The week-long celebration culminated with a Business Forum at Tamaraw Hall, where government programs, incentives, and support mechanisms for MSMEs were presented. The event was participated by representatives from local government units and leaders from various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, retail, trading, transport, tourism, and manufacturing.

After the Business Forum, the Provincial Government recognized and awarded the winners of the Search for Occidental Mindoro Most Inspiring MSMEs 2024. Nenebalot Municipal Ocean Fishing from Rizal was declared the Most Inspiring Micro Enterprise. Trambulo Commercial Building from Santa Cruz was named the Most Inspiring Small Enterprise. Calintaan Seed Growers Cooperative (CASEEDCO) from Calintaan was honored as the Most Inspiring Medium Enterprise and also received the Special Award for Most Liked Audio-Visual Presentation.

Throughout the week, the Mini Trade Fair cum Diskwento Caravan and Business Consultancy Desk ran continuously from July 1 to July 4 at the Provincial Capitol Compound in Mamburao. The Mini Trade Fair cum Diskwento Caravan showcased six (6) exhibitors and two (2) distributors, generating total sales of Php 62,000. Notably, one exhibitor successfully secured two new resellers.

The Business Consultancy Desk, staffed by the Negosyo Center Business Counselors, offered comprehensive support to MSMEs, processing four (4) Business Name Registrations, three (3) Barangay Micro Business Enterprise applications, and assisting eight (8) food processors with their packaging and label designs. The desk also profiled and referred 30 MSMEs to the Municipal Livelihood Assistance Program of LGU-Mamburao, providing crucial resources and guidance for local businesses.

In her closing speech, Provincial Administrator Muriel Reguinding emphasized, “This is the first-ever celebration of MSME Week in Occidental Mindoro and the Provincial Government is committed to making this an annual event to consistently recognize, celebrate, and support our entrepreneurs.” ♦

Date of release: 16 July 2024

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