CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A total of 20 Kapampangan micro entrepreneurs make up the third batch of the Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprises (KMME) program mentees in the province.
Of the 20 mentees, 14 are engaged in processed food industry; 4 in gifts, decors and housewares; and 2 in trading services.
During the Provincial Launching, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona said the primary objective of the program is to inculcate all the learnings in the hearts of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and be able to make a difference despite the agency’s limited budget.
“Our objective is to see how many among our graduates have scaled up because this will spell the difference and determine whether or not our program is successful,” Lantayona said.
The official added that in joining the program, the best motivation should not be competition alone, but the willingness of MSMEs to scale up their businesses.
“Even if the government needs to spend approximately PhP25,000 per mentee for the entire duration of the program, as long as they get to improve and expand their businesses, then we can say our program is relevant,” she added.
For her part, DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said the program particularly targets MSMEs because their improvement is easier to measure and because they are the ones who need the most assistance.
She also urged the mentees to complete all the mentoring sessions and give their best during the presentation of their respective business improvement plan.
From 2016-2018, total of 41 mentees have already graduated in the province; 140 in the region; and 5,021 nationwide.
Among the third batch of mentees are Tropics Salad Delights, Allan’s Ice Cream, Jennet Bakeshop and Pasalubong Center, Adonai Coconut Products, Mommamees Bakeshop, Smiling Star Enterprises, Initio Foods, Hermana Amor Leather Crafts, Oysterrific Mushroom Farm and E-Flowers Floral Shop.
Also included are Nora’s Natures Bread Food Products, Sweet Mama’s Cake and Pastries, Production 101, Credo Atchara, Rayol Food Services, Angelique’s Cakes and Pastries, Ms Pusung Aluminum and Kitchenware, Made by Pearl Sewing Services, BG Metal Fabrication, and Apu Vely’s Food Processing.