30/07/2026
July 29, 2026 | DTI Batangas concluded the MSME Conference 2026, the culminating event of MSME Week 2026, in partnership with the Batangas Provincial Government and the Batangas MSME Development Council.
The event was led by DTI CALABARZON Regional Director Marissa Argente and DTI Batangas Provincial Director Leila Cabreros, bringing together agency leaders, industry partners, and entrepreneurs in celebrating the resilience, innovation, and success of Batangueño MSMEs.
Representing Batangas City Mayor Hon. Marvey A. Marino, Hon. Councilor Ailin Grace Dimacuha delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness of MSMEs and commending the strong collaboration among stakeholders, in continuously empowering local enterprises.
On behalf of Batangas Governor Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto, Ms. Maria Theresa Gernale, Assistant Department Head of the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Enterprise Development Office (PCLEDO), expressed the Provincial Government's unwavering support for MSMEs through programs and initiatives that foster sustainable business growth.
The conference also featured an inspiring talk from Mr. Jherald Espeleta, owner of Itaewon Café and active member of PCCI–Lipa City, who shared his entrepreneurial journey under the theme "Asenso: Gabay sa Tagumpay ng Batangueño MSMEs." Success stories were likewise shared by Ms. Irene Becerra of Vin Vie Integrated Farm Corp. and Ms. Sevilla Magpantay of Rambelle Food Products, showcasing how DTI Batangas' programs have helped expand and strengthen their businesses.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program Batch 01-2026 Graduates, led by Ms. Karla Yapyuco, Provincial KMME Focal Person. Special recognition was also given to the Top 3 Business Improvement Plan Presenters:
- Mr. Rico Comia
- Ms. Maricris Marasigan
- Ms. Francia Bien
Ms. Maria Carmen Garcia, Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist, presented the Special Awards recognizing outstanding Batangueño MSMEs and valued industry partners.
MSME Week 2026 Special Awardees
• Top Seller – MSME Week Trade Fair: Mommy G's Lutong Bahay
• Best Booth – MSME Week Trade Fair: Magpantay Homemade Candy
• Best Shared Service Facility Cooperator: Labspace for Innovation, Knowledge-Honing and Application Fabrication Laboratory (LIKHA FABLAB)
• Big Brother Award for MSME Leadership: Ms. Irene Becerra of Vin Vie Integrated Farm Corp.
• Outstanding MSME Development Partners:
- BatStateU ARASOF Nasugbu (EntrePinoy and USAD Programs)
- PCLEDO
- PCCI–Lipa City
- PCCI–Metro Batangas
- LGU–Lipa City
- LGU–Batangas City
The conference concluded with an inspiring message from Provincial Director Leila Cabreros, encouraging every Batangueño entrepreneur to transform humble beginnings into stories of resilience, growth, and success.
Congratulations to all our graduates, awardees, partners, and Batangueño MSMEs! 𝑰𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒊 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒑𝒖𝒑𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒐 𝒔𝒂 𝒊𝒏𝒚𝒐, 𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝒊𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝑫𝑻𝑰 𝑩𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒔!