PIDIGAN, Abra (PIA) – A new batch of entrepreneurs graduated from the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Training Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The 15 graduates were conferred by the DTI-Abra Provincial Office at the Casarap Cafe here on September 10, 2024. Through the KMME, the mentees were capacitated in various aspects and key areas of scaling up for successful business operations.
The mentorship program consists of a 10-module mentorship program with interactions between mentors and mentees were held. Its primary objective is to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of mentees by improving their access to mentorship, money, and market.
DTI-Abra Trade and Industry Specialist Rodel Bolante congratulated the graduated and encouraged them to earnestly employ the skills they learned.
“Siraragsak ken sipapangas kami nga maadaan manen ti 15 more mentees in addition to the mentee graduates of the previous years. Of course, with the learnings that you gained, isu kuma ti ma-iplementar yo tapnu mapasayaat dagiti negosyo yo,” Bolante said.
[We are glad and proud to have 15 more mentees in addition to the mentee graduates of the previous years. Of course, with the learnings that you gained, you implement them to improve your businesses.]
KMME graduate K-Café owner Kristal Cardenas shared her struggles and triumphs in starting her business. She expressed her thanks and joy in finishing the mentorship program amidst the challenges her business faced.
“Nagsimula kami sa loan at bumili kami ng machine. We started participating in food bazaar. Unfortunately, dumating si Bagyo Egay, nabaha ‘yong mga stock ko and ‘yong machine ko, so bumili ulit kami ng bago para lang magpatuloy,” Cardenas said.
The KMME has been implemented since 2016 with the key goal of boosting the entrepreneurial capacity through improved access to mentorship, money and market. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
