BAY, LAGUNA — On February 13, 2024, the Calamba Manpower Development Center (CMDC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) partnered to host their inaugural seminar of the year. The event, tailored to empower individuals in the food industry, underscores the organizations’ shared commitment in fostering local entrepreneurship and driving economic development within the community.
Nestled in the heart of Calamba City, CMDC serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those eager to enhance their skills and seize opportunities in various industries. Their dynamic approach to education blends innovation with tradition, providing a wide range of technical and vocational programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern industries.
The seminar on February 13th marked a pivotal moment in CMDC’s ongoing mission to empower individuals to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Facilitated by esteemed professionals, including DTI-Laguna Negosyo Center Business Counsellors (NCBCs) from neighboring municipalities, the seminar offered attendees practical insights and valuable skills essential for success in the competitive food industry.
NCBC Elmer Sagales from Paete kickstarted the seminar by sharing invaluable insights into essential entrepreneurial skills tailored specifically for the food industry. His session provided a solid foundation for participants embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Following Sagales’s engaging session, NCBC Avegail Agojo from Bay delved into the critical topic of food safety standards, regulatory compliance, packaging, and labeling requirements. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the measures necessary to ensure the production of safe, high-quality food products, essential for maintaining consumer trust and market competitiveness.
Next, NCBC Rica Mae Garcia, representing Majayjay, shed light on pricing strategies and cost optimization. Through practical tools and techniques, attendees learned how to enhance profitability and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic marketplace.
The seminar’s agenda also featured NCBC Carl Eric Villanueva, an esteemed NCBC from Magdalena, who led an enlightening session on digital marketing and consumer education. Participants explored the transformative potential of online platforms such as Google My Business in expanding reach and building lasting customer relationships.
Additionally, DTI’s role in supporting CMDC’s mission was highlighted throughout the seminar. With expertise in business development and regulatory compliance, DTI provides invaluable resources and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local community.
Participants actively engaged in dynamic discussions, fostering a collaborative learning environment where knowledge exchange thrived. As the day concluded, comprehensive feedback sessions provided valuable insights for enhancing future seminars, ensuring continuous improvement and greater value delivery.
In summary, the CMDC-DTI seminar exemplified the power of collaboration in driving positive change and empowering individuals to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations. By bridging the gap between skills development and entrepreneurial know-how, CMDC and DTI reaffirmed their commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and prosperity within the local community (ADAgojo, DTI Laguna). ♦
Date of release: 20 February 2024