GO NEGOSYO. For the DTI, solidifying the MSME sector is strengthening the grassroots economy as the country is largely fed by the micro small and medium enterprises who would easily die out with the international trade boundaries now becoming porous. While exclusivity may work, the Philippines response is equipping MSMEs to survive the open trade. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 9 (PIA)-Twenty six micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) owners, managers and operators join this year's 5th Batch of Kapatid Mentor Micro-Entrepreneurs (KMME) in a bid to send out their products into the highly competitive world market and contribute to the local economy.

A project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, KMME provides young and small investors the luxury of learning business and the tricks of the trade in their respective industries from no less than the industry leaders through coaching and mentoring.

This also allows the small and often un-known business in Bohol to grow and mechanize through the Shared Service Facilities, and in so doing, link their products to the larger products vale chain, according to DTI Bohol Provincial Director Maria Soledad Balistoy.

Participants include Modesto Simacon Jr., Anaflor Gumera, Carmelita Barro, Ritchel Tabel, Emerita Azucena, Junare Bacullo, Evilio Catugo, Cleofe Tecson, Emily Cabintoy, Anecita Ladaga, Cecilia Busano, Meliton Tolop, Maria Betinol.

Leonideza Belleca, Joan Dumangog, Bernardo Karaan, Audrey Anne Arellano, Alma Esterado, Nikki Ann Pedida, Rosa Iglisai Sarabosing, Michelle Alhajeri, Ma. Chona Gellidon, Louell Jeanne Lorzano, Joan Caturza and Patricia Monsida.

The micro entrepreneurs are from processed food like banana chips, Homestyle (souvenirs), coffee, cacao, chemicals (shampoo, soaps and lotions), corn brew, ice cream and service clusters in music and restaurant, according to a list provided by the DTI in Bohol.

Started in 2017, KMME has featured modules that put the mentees to learn of the various business concepts and develop the business acumen needed in scaling up and sustaining their enterprise through basic functional areas of enterprise.

Modules include product development, marketing, operations management, accounting, taxation, finance, obligations and contracts.

The mentoring also stretches to sustaining the enterprise, where mentees learn the ropes of sustaining their business growth through human resource management, supply and value chain, succession planning and business plan development.

KMME in Bohol has already produced 125 graduates, and we are glad to announce that we have zero drop-outs, this 5th batch is the second batch this year, DTI Regional Director Asteria Caberte said.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, who walked in to inspire the mentees, called the participant entrepreneurs to continue what they are doing now.

"I want to tell you that Bohol needs you, continue what you are doing," he said.

"You are the last mile to connect the products to consumers," Yap, who used to head the country's agri production agency, remarked.

The remark came even as entrepreneurs have been struggling to bring their products to the right markets.

Yap has promised to jumpstart raw material production in Bohol, one he envisions would supply entrepreneurs production needs.

"Leave the growing to us, please focus on perfecting your products, perfecting your pricing and labeling," he told the 5th batch entrepreneurs. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)