The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program and the Go Negosyo Centers here have empowered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with needed skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

DTI Antique Provincial Director Mutya Eusores, in her message during the opening of the two-day 1st Antique Business Exchange and KMME Provincial Congress, said the initiatives in the 18 towns of the province since 2016 have greatly benefited MSMEs, making them become part of a resilient business community in the province.

“The KMME and Go Negosyo Centers have empowered the MSMEs with tools, skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive marketplace,” she said.

She added that guest speaker, former Senator Bam Aquino, was instrumental in establishing the KMME program and the Go Negosyo Centers that assist the KMMEs in entrepreneurial mentorship as startups.

Aquino, in his keynote speech, said the KMME program aims to provide learning opportunities for MSMEs on how to start their businesses and make these successful.

“Through the KMME program, the MSMEs learn entrepreneurship concepts from their mentors who are engaged in business themselves,” he said.

He said learning is not easily acquired inside the classrooms but from the practitioners or businesses themselves.

Lawyer Jobert Peñaflorida, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.-Western Visayas president, said their Manifesto of Support forged during the congress will benefit the MSMEs because their seven chapters in the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Boracay, Antique and Bacolod City will collaborate and do business together.

“We will be sharing resources and database of our customers,” he said.

He said that the MSMEs in Antique, through its partnership with PCCI Antique headed by Rani Rodriguez and PCCI Western Visayas, will be able to strengthen the local economies as a prime source of “patadyong” (handwoven fabric), muscovado or brown sugar and other businesses.

It would also support the investment climate towards “One Visayas” through tourism and trade promotions.

During the congress, 10 businesses were recognized, with several existing for at least 50 years and contributed to the economic development of the province in terms of food service, media, hardware, among others. (PNA)