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Negosyo Center in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø-IIT empowers MSMEs through successful business training series

by Stephanie Concha | Jun 10 2025

 

With an unwavering commitment to strengthen the city’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Negosyo Center in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø-IIT, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Lanao del Norte (DTI), ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø-IIT Office of the Business Affairs, We Care Office, and Batch Aspira of the Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) successfully concluded Negostorya 2025: Ang Paglahutay sa Negosyo, a comprehensive business training series, on May 7, 2025, at the iDeya Office, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø-IIT.

Spanning six carefully curated sessions from March to May, the initiative brought together industry experts, government partners, and local entrepreneurs for an immersive learning experience aimed at empowering local businesses through essential knowledge and practical skills.

The training series opened on March 5 with a session focused on Food Safety Training, a vital topic for Iligan’s growing food business sector. Esteemed culinary professional Chef Glenn Villacin led the session with a deep dive into food safety standards that every food enterprise must adhere to. He was followed by Ms. Dorina Marie Ytang, who highlighted common food hazards and preventive measures, and Ms. Melody Anne Donio, who rounded out the session with discussions on basic food hygiene, good manufacturing practices, and the intricacies of FDA and LTO registration.

Held on March 12, the second session tackled the often-complicated world of the Business Permits and Licenses. A panel of speakers from relevant agencies provided a step-by-step guide for legal compliance. Ms. Angelie Marie Resabal discussed business name registration and MSME guidelines, while Ms. Maria Rhodora Omlero and Ms. Maria Nimfa Briones shed light on the processes for permit application, assessments, and associated fees. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was represented by Mr. Mev Xylef Seraña, who simplified BIR registration and basic taxation. Ms. Grace Santos concluded the session with a discussion on securing sanitary permits.

On March 19, the spotlight shifted to Halal Compliance and Intellectual Property. Ustadh Luqman Bin Usman Imam, SCL, opened with an in-depth explanation of Halal certification standards and procedures. He was joined by Mr. Hassanor Bansao, who explained the halal basic principles and fundamentals, and Dr. Vannie Joy Resabal, who discussed the significance of intellectual property rights, particularly trademarks and trade secrets, in protecting business innovations.

The fourth session, held on March 26, turned the focus to Branding and Packaging—key elements in establishing a business identity in today’s competitive market. Ms. Trisha Jean Reble guided participants through the principles of compelling brand creation and effective packaging strategies, offering insights into how visual storytelling can influence consumer behavior.

As the series continued, the fifth session on April 30 focused on Production, Technical, and Financial Aspects of the Business—a crucial area for MSMEs seeking to improve operations and sustainability. Ms. Dorina Marie Ytang provided a comprehensive overview of production systems and technical processes, along with financial considerations for small businesses. Complementing the session was Asst. Prof. Berlyn Teaño delivering an informative talk on basic bookkeeping—equipping entrepreneurs with tools to better manage their finances and track business performance.

Capping off the series on May 7, the final session zeroed in on Investor Pitching, Social Media Strategies, and Salesmanship—critical tools for MSME growth and visibility in the digital age. Mr. Julius Arboleda shared best practices for optimizing business presence on social media platforms, while Ms. Shekainah Marzo Pacturanan delved into the art of persuasive selling. Mr. Constantino Brasileño, Jr., wrapped up the day with valuable insights on how to effectively pitch business ideas to potential investors.

Negostorya 2025: Ang Paglahutay sa Negosyo, led by the Negosyo Center in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø-IIT Coordinator, Assistant Professor Shiny Rose S. Narit, not only offered essential training but also served as a collaborative platform where local entrepreneurs could connect, innovate, and build resilient business models for Iligan City. 

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