VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) -- A group of eight entrepreneurs from Catanduanes were part of the first batch of mentees in the Kapatid Mentor Me-Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) online program for 2024, which was launched on April 16, 2024, by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The KMME-MME initiative, in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), aims to enhance entrepreneurial capacity by providing better access to Mentorship, Money, and Market (3Ms) through weekly online interactions between mentors and mentees.

The mentees will participate in 10 online modules along with other mentees from Bicol, covering a range of sessions. The KMME program has already produced over 100 graduates in Catanduanes since its pilot implementation.

The small business owners who will undergo mentoring include Isabelle Caridad T. Pastor, proprietor of 2284 Restobar in Sta.Cruz, San Andres; Arnel P. Tubice of Ilawod Poblacion, Bato; Jhing  F. Cortuna of JD Brooms Manufacturing, Hitoma, Caramoran; Aliza D. Valeza of AC Food Hub, Cavinitan, Virac; Jenny Ric B. Dado, Ben's Food Products, Gogon Sirangan, Virac; Maricar P. Alejandro, MM Food Products, Concepcion Virac; Ma. Minch M. Borja, Minoa Food Hub, Gogon Centro, Virac and Fredelyn R. Teodones of B.A.O.D Printing Services, Banawang, Bato.

The eight entrepreneurs will be presenting their business improvement plans to a panel of evaluators, including representatives from the bank, online market platforms, and other business support organizations.

During the launching ceremony, DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol shared that the KMME Program has been a successful government intervention in helping micro-enterprises develop and grow.

The mentees are encouraged to participate actively and take the mentoring program seriously.

DTI Catanduanes Provincial Director Ma. Belma Esqueta acknowledged that many MSMEs need help and inspiration to revitalize their businesses.

She also mentioned that DTI will continue to support the mentees even after they graduate through shared services facilities, networking, access to financing, and attendance to trade fairs.

Mentee Arnel Tubice hopes to improve his knowledge of running and managing a business by participating in the KMME program. He believes that it will help his welding and fabrication business.

Meanwhile, Maria Tuzka Lopez, a graduate of KMME program from Catanduanes, expressed her gratitude to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the invaluable learnings she received from the regular trainings conducted by the DTI.

Lopez also acknowledged the DTI's continuous support and guidance during the challenging times of the pandemic.

She stated that the DTI stood by them to help MSMEs navigate through difficulties and overcome challenges.

Furthermore, she attributed the recognition her business received as a Bagwis awardee to the assistance and guidance of the DTI.

She added that the DTI helped improve their establishment, enhance their services, and implement best practices. (PIA5/Catanduanes)