SUCCESSFUL KAYA CON! MSME SUMMIT 2023 DRIVES ENTREPRENEURIAL

November 4, 2023 Community Billboard Lifestyle

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry La Union Provincial Office, conducted the second KAYA CON! Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit 2023 on October 17-18, 2023 at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco
I. Ortega Convention Center (La Union Convention Center). The summit gathered 350 participants, including local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and business students, who had the opportunity to exchange ideas and insights essential to the strategic growth and development of entrepreneurship mindset of MSMEs in the province.

On the first day of summit, representatives from established businesses discussed topics on branding, hybrid entrepreneurship in the digital era, and online banking and e-wallet’s role in
empowering MSMEs. The speakers included Mr. Ronald Rommel Viloria, Design Director of Victoria Product Design Enterprise; Mr. Jan Erich Calderon, Web Solutions Developer, Creative28 Web Solutions; Ms. Razel Morada, Channel Distributor Manager for MSME, GCash; and Mr.
Anderson Tacia, Area Business Lead, Maya Philippines, Incorporated.

Closing day-one of the summit, Local Economic Enterprise & Investment Promotions Unit (LEEIPU) Head, Ms. Angela Grace C. Peralta, expressed her gratitude for the strong support from
local government units, MSMEs, and educational institutions. She also hinted at the potential for an even more significant KAYA CON event in the future. The second day of the summit catered to aspiring entrepreneurs and students majoring in business-related courses.

Topics included the Young Entrepreneur Program, Young Agri-Preneur Program discussed by Ms. Angelica J. Quiban, Senior Trade – Industry Development Specialist, DTI-Regional Office; and Ms. Rhoda A. Galva, Senior Agriculturist, Department of Agriculture. Young entrepreneurs Ms. Vel
Sierra and Mr. John Paul Naoe inspired the students with their stories with the success of their
respective businesses Vel Sierra Integrated Farm and Jaypee’s Bakeshop and Café. The summit also featured locally produced products from La Union Pasalubong Center Suppliers, offering a diverse
range of local goods to attendees.

Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David expressed, in both days, her gratitude to all stakeholders for the success of this year’s KAYA CON. She underscored the role of the MSME sector in La Union’s economic progress, saying, “The MSME sector plays a very crucial role in these
milestones and in developing the growth of our province’s economy. Thank you for your contributions, thank you for your participation in our La Union PROBINSYAnihan. You opened doors to creating more job opportunities, promoting innovation, and fostering inclusive development for all.”

She also imparted an inspirational message for all participants venturing in business, “May your
entrepreneurial spirit continue to shine brightly as you pursue your dreams. Your journey begins today, and the possibilities are limitless. When you finish this event, you can confidently say, ‘KAYA KO NA– para sa pamilya at para sa pangarap.’ And I hope we won’t forget to give back to our
community—how? Through La Union PROBINSYAnihan. KAYA TAYO LA UNION!”

Also present in the summit were Chairman on the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Hon. Henry A. Balbin; Chairman on the Committee of Finance, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Hon. Chary P. Nisce, and DTI La Union Provincial Director Merlie D. Membrere. The Provincial Government of La Union recognizes the indispensable role of MSMEs in driving economic prosperity and remains committed to
supporting their growth in the province, and KAYA CON! MSME Summit 2023 stands as a testament to this commitment.

Rowell B. Timoteo, GPC-PESO