The Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3), in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo (PCE-GN), celebrated the graduation of 47 micro and small enterprise owners from across Central Luzon during the 2026 Kapatid Mentor ME – Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online Program, Region 3 Batch 1, held via Zoom on June 9, 2026.
The graduates, representing the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, successfully completed the program’s ten learning modules designed to strengthen entrepreneurial competencies and improve business sustainability. As a culminating activity, participants presented their Business Improvement Plans (BIPs) before a panel composed of representatives from government agencies and the financial sector.
The KMME-MME Program is DTI’s flagship mentoring initiative that combines mentorship, money access, and market linkage opportunities to help micro and small enterprises scale up their operations and become more competitive. Through the program, participants gained practical knowledge in areas such as entrepreneurial mindset, product development, marketing, operations management, human resource management, taxation, business law, and financial management.
In her keynote message, DTI Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque congratulated the graduates for completing the program and encouraged them to maximize the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the mentoring sessions. She emphasized the importance of using their Business Improvement Plans as strategic roadmaps for growth, embracing innovation, strengthening financial discipline, and leveraging digitalization to expand their market reach and improve business performance.
Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion also inspired the graduates to remain committed to their entrepreneurial journey. He underscored the value of perseverance, passion, and sound cash flow management as essential elements in building resilient and sustainable enterprises.
In her welcome remarks, DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon challenged the graduates to translate their learning into concrete business results. She reminded them that while the graduation marks a significant milestone, the real measure of success lies in how effectively they implement their Business Improvement Plans and continuously seek opportunities for growth.
“The true value of this program is not the certificate you receive today, but the knowledge you apply and the progress you achieve in your businesses. Let your Business Improvement Plans serve as living roadmaps as you pursue new opportunities, strengthen your operations, and explore both local and export markets,” Director Dizon said.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the participants’ commitment to continuous learning and business improvement. It also showcased the collective efforts of DTI, Go Negosyo, mentors, and partner institutions in nurturing a new generation of resilient and growth-oriented entrepreneurs in Central Luzon.
Through programs such as KMME-MME, DTI-3 remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering MSMEs with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving business environment.