ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — A Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) forum held here provided local entrepreneurs with tools and connections to improve access to government support services and strengthen networks for micro and small enterprises.
The forum, part of the Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit 2025, guided participants through the business registration process with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and introduced available government incentives.
Small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and start-up founders received information on tax exemptions, financial aid, and other programs supporting the growth of micro and start-up businesses.
“This is designed specifically to capacitate business owners and future entrepreneurs. This forum is an opportunity to learn about the process of registering your business with the Department of Trade and Industry,” said Arim Mira, chief trade and industry specialist at the DTI-Lanao del Norte.
Jeddy Bunayog, president of the Iligan Night Market Association and a night market stall owner, expressed her appreciation for the event’s practical value.
“This is a good opportunity for us also nga makakuha mi og mga information, ma cascade namo sa among mga kauban. This would also give us added inputs, not just alang sa amoang adlaw-adlaw nga operations or business, as well as ma-enhance among knowledge and linkages sa networks pod nga mandated sa business sector, DTI, and other agencies,” she said.
(This is a good opportunity for us to gain information that we can share with fellow vendors. It will also provide us with valuable insights, not only for our daily operations or business, but also to enhance our knowledge and strengthen our connections with networks mandated by the business sector, DTI, and other agencies.)
During the forum, Reggie Punongbayan, president of the Iligan Chamber of Commerce and chairperson of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Councils of Northern Mindanao and Lanao del Norte, encouraged participants to innovate and collaborate.
She also thanked government partners for their continued support and urged business leaders to uplift one another and promote inclusive growth for all entrepreneurs. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
