TALISAY, CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) – Go Negosyo, played a key role in the rollout of the Lingap at Alagang Bayanihan (LAB) for All Program in Cebu, spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Held on August 29, 2024, at the Adventist Academy Cebu Gymnasium, the event brought together multiple government agencies to deliver vital medical, social, and entrepreneurial services to communities.

In photo (left to right): DTI Assistant Secretary Dominic Tolentino, Visayas Private Sector Representative to the DTI National MSME Development Council Melanie Ng, Acting DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and DTI Region 7 Central Visayas Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon.

DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque played an active role in the event, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship. DTI-Cebu supported the initiative by offering comprehensive business advisory services, providing expert guidance on business development, market strategies, and enterprise growth. This highlighted the department’s continued commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in Cebu and supporting the sustained success of local MSMEs.

The success of the event was made possible through the vital support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talisay City, and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), along with the Talisay City Chamber of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (TCCCTI), who provided key mentorship through their local business networks. These chambers worked closely with DTI and PCE-Go Negosyo, ensuring MSMEs received guidance and mentoring from experienced professionals.

This collaboration showcased the combined efforts of national government agencies, local authorities, and the business sector in promoting community well-being, economic resilience, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

In photo: First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (in white) and Acting DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque (in blue) with GO Negosyo Mentors, and other partners.

PCE-Go Negosyo enhanced the program through its flagship 3M on Wheels initiative—focusing on Mentorship, Money, and Market access. This free nationwide mentorship program is designed to provide entrepreneurs with on-the-spot guidance from experienced mentors.

Over 100 MSMEs in Cebu benefited from one-on-one mentorship during the event, gaining practical insights on improving operations, accessing financing, and identifying new market opportunities.

The financing arm of DTI, Small Business (SB) Corporation, also played a vital role by presenting a range of financing programs aimed at supporting business expansion. With these tailored financial solutions, SB Corporation aims to assist MSMEs in scaling their operations, allowing them to contribute more significantly to the local economy.

In photo: DTI Assistant Secretary Dominic Tolentino with DTI Cebu Provincial Director Rose Mae Quinanola.

A key feature of DTI’s involvement was the showcase of locally produced goods under the OTOP Program. The exhibit displayed the creativity and craftsmanship of Cebu’s MSMEs, featuring a variety of products ranging from food and handicrafts to fashion and home décor. This highlighted the potential of Cebu’s MSMEs to compete in both local and national markets.

The LAB For All program in Talisay City showcased the collaborative efforts of government agencies like DTI and private sector partners such as Go Negosyo. By combining medical, social, and entrepreneurial services, the event underscored a holistic approach to building a more resilient and empowered MSME community.

DTI Cebu remains steadfast in driving MSME growth through strong partnerships with national and local government units, as well as private sector stakeholders. The Department will continue championing initiatives that enable local businesses to thrive and contribute to sustainable economic development in the region. (DTI Cebu/PR) ♦

Date of release: 10 September 2024

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