Negosyo Center Tabuk City, Kalinga

28/08/2026

Negosyo Center–Tabuk City Brings Kalinga MSMEs and Returning OFW Entrepreneurs to the Forefront of the “Abbuyog ad Kalinga” Reintegration Fair

TABUK CITY, KALINGA — The Negosyo Center–Tabuk City successfully facilitated a mini trade fair featuring products and livelihood ventures of local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have transitioned into entrepreneurship during the “Abbuyog ad Kalinga” National Reintegration Network Fair and World Café of Opportunities held on August 28, 2026, at the Kalinga Sports Center.

The mini trade fair served as an avenue for participating entrepreneurs to showcase their locally produced goods, promote their businesses, and connect with potential customers, partners, and other stakeholders. It also highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship as a sustainable livelihood option for returning OFWs seeking to rebuild their economic lives and establish businesses within their communities.

Through the facilitation of Negosyo Center–Tabuk City, MSMEs and returning OFW-entrepreneurs were given a platform to market their products, expand their visibility, and explore opportunities for business growth. The initiative further demonstrated the important role of the Negosyo Center in linking entrepreneurs with government programs, business development services, and market opportunities.

The “Abbuyog ad Kalinga” activity brought together government agencies, local government units, private companies, and other stakeholders to provide employment, livelihood, skills training, and other forms of assistance to Kalinga residents seeking employment or planning to start, strengthen, or rebuild their livelihoods.

Aside from the mini trade fair, participants accessed various government services through the one-stop-shop, enabling them to transact with agencies and partner institutions including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PESO-Kalinga, Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), PESO–Tabuk City, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Kalinga Chapter.

The event likewise provided opportunities for TESDA graduates, technical-vocational institutions, and local entrepreneurs to showcase their skills, products, and livelihood ventures to potential clients, partners, and employers.

The activity was led by DMW-CAR OIC-Regional Director Cheryl L. Daytec-Yañgot, TESDA-Kalinga Acting Provincial Director Clefford E. Pascual, DOLE-Kalinga Provincial Director Avelina Manganip, Atty. Chesed Sofia Munda, representing Kalinga Lone District Representative Caroline B. Agyao, and PESO-Kalinga Manager Ermilinda Wandag, representing Governor James S. Edduba, together with officials and representatives from participating agencies and partner organizations.

The participation of Negosyo Center–Tabuk City in the activity underscores its continuing commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship, strengthening market access for MSMEs, and promoting enterprise development as a viable pathway for the economic reintegration of returning OFWs.

More than simply providing a venue for product display, the mini trade fair created an opportunity for entrepreneurs to turn their products into market opportunities, establish valuable connections, and gain greater exposure for their businesses. It also reinforced the message that returning OFWs can become successful entrepreneurs when provided with the appropriate support, guidance, and opportunities.

Through initiatives such as this, the Negosyo Center–Tabuk City continues to contribute to the development of a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kalinga—one that empowers MSMEs and returning OFWs to build sustainable livelihoods, generate income, and contribute to the growth of their local communities.

20/08/2026

DTI Kalinga took an active role in the Enhancing Local Convergence and Aligning Communities (ELCAC) Community Consultation and Serbisyo Caravan held on August 20, 2026, in Brgy. Lanna, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

The initiative enabled the agency to engage directly with community members, identify local economic needs, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth in partnership with other government stakeholders.

20/08/2026

𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨.

As part of the standards promoted by the Bagwis Recognition System, business establishments are encouraged to comply with Pag-IBIG registration and contribution requirements. Under the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009 (RA 9679), employers contribute to programs that provide employees with savings and housing opportunities.

19/08/2026

Celebrating Mr. Rudy Gerlaban of Mayumi-Jay Integrated Farm's journey to success — may your products inspire and plant the seeds of growth for other budding entrepreneurs! 🌱💼✨

🎖️Rudy M. Gerlaban

19/08/2026

The Negosyo Center Tabuk City particpated during the Kapihan sa Kalinga and DSA Signing Ceremony, featuring the Provincial MSME Development Council, held on August 18, 2026 at the Grand Zion Garden Resort Hotel, Bulanao, Tabuk City. The event brought together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and MSME community to discuss strategies for strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Kalinga. Highlighting the day's program were five insightful panel discussions covering institutional support, access to financing, capacity building, technology and innovation, and market expansion, all aimed at empowering local MSMEs toward sustainable growth.

Among the moderators was Ms. Janine Aubrey N. Tongdo, who moderated Panel Session 1 on Strengthening the MSME Ecosystem, guiding a discussion on institutional support, coordination, and policy for growth. Ms. Jeda Mae C. Dacanay, representing the Small Business Corporation (SB Corporation), shared valuable insights on expanding MSME access to sustainable and scalable financing during Panel Session 2. The event culminated in an awarding ceremony, marking a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and growth for MSMEs across the province of Kalinga.

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

𝘼 𝘽𝙖𝙜𝙬𝙞𝙨-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙚𝙨.

Compliance with PhilHealth registration and contribution remittance is an important aspect of responsible business operations and a key consideration under the Bagwis Recognition System. Through adherence to the National Health Insurance Act (RA 7875, as amended) and the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223), employers help ensure access to healthcare benefits for their workforce.

17/08/2026

𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫, 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – In line with its continuing commitment to promote responsible and sustainable business practices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kalinga successfully conducted the seminar “Business Excellence Seminar: Enhancing Customer Service thru Digital Financial Literacy, and Compliance in Mandatory Contributions for Sustainable Growth” for Bagwis Awardees and prospective Bagwis nominees on 12 August 2026 at the Provincial Capitol.

The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of local business establishments by highlighting the importance of excellent customer service, compliance with labor and social protection laws, and the adoption of digital payment systems as essential components of sustainable and competitive business operations.

One of the major topics discussed during the activity was the mandatory remittance of employee contributions to the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).

Speakers from the respective agencies emphasized that compliance with these statutory obligations is not only a legal responsibility of employers but also a significant investment in the welfare and security of their employees.

Ms. Mary Angela Pauline Blando of the Social Security System (SSS) discussed the employer's obligations under the Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11199), which mandates the registration of employees and the timely remittance of SSS contributions to ensure workers' access to benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, unemployment, and death benefits.

Atty. Joyce Noreen Bagyon of PhilHealth emphasized the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act (Republic Act No. 7875, as amended) and the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223), which require employers to register employees and remit premium contributions to ensure access to health insurance benefits and financial protection against medical expenses. Complementing the discussion, Mr. Dariel Buslig presented PhilHealth's YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), highlighting its benefits and the importance of ensuring that employees are properly enrolled and covered under the National Health Insurance Program.

For the Pag-IBIG Fund, Mr. Clif Jacob Sabado discussed the requirements under the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9679), which mandates employer and employee contributions to support members' savings and provide access to housing, calamity, and multi-purpose loan programs.

The discussions reinforced the fact that compliance with these mandatory contribution programs contributes to employee well-being, promotes industrial harmony, and demonstrates responsible business management, qualities that are highly regarded under the Bagwis Program.
Another key component of the seminar was Digital Financial Literacy and QR Ph adoption, presented by Ms. Maria Elena Madriaga of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) North Luzon Regional Office. She emphasized the growing role of digital finance in improving business efficiency, enhancing customer convenience, and expanding financial inclusion.
Ms. Madriaga highlighted the benefits of using digital payment platforms and the PalengQR Ph system, which enables secure, inter-operable, and cashless transactions between and among consumers and merchants. She encouraged business establishments to embrace digital payment solutions to meet evolving consumer preferences and strengthen business competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.
The positive response of participants was evident from the activity evaluation, where 20 out of the 23 respondents reported that they are already utilizing digital payment methods in their businesses. This reflects the growing acceptance of digital financial services among local retailers and demonstrates their readiness to adapt to modern payment technologies.

Ms. Maria Cecilia T. Baral of DTI Kalinga also provided an orientation on key Fair-Trade Laws and consumer protection regulations relevant to business operations. The discussion covered the No Short Changing Act (RA 10909), Price Tag Law, regulations on “No Return, No Exchange” policies, the 5% Special Discount on Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) for qualified Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as well as compliance with applicable product standards. She emphasized that adherence to these laws promotes consumer trust, ethical business practices, and greater competitiveness among enterprises.

Through activities such as this, DTI Kalinga continues to support Bagwis establishments and aspiring awardees in building businesses that are customer-focused, compliant with laws and regulations, technologically adaptive, responsive to the changing needs of consumers, while promoting self-awareness and self-regulation.

By fostering excellence in customer service, promoting responsible business practices, and encouraging the adoption of digital financial solutions, DTI Kalinga remains steadfast in its mission of empowering enterprises and creating a more competitive and sustainable local business environment.

15/08/2026

📢 Financial Literacy and QR Ph Integration

Empowering our community with smarter financial habits! 💰

On August 12, 2026, DTI Kalinga, through Negosyo Center Tabuk City, hosted a Financial Literacy and QR Ph Integration session at the DTI Kalinga Conference Hall, running from 8:30 AM to 12:00 NN. Resource speaker Ms. Maria Elena Madriaga of BSP Tuguegarao City walked participants through essential money-smart tips — from spotting and avoiding online scams, to making the most of digital banking services, and recognizing genuine Philippine peso bills through their key security features.

This activity is part of our continuing commitment to boost financial awareness and encourage safer, smarter, and more responsible financial transactions among Kalinga residents. 🇵🇭✅

13/08/2026

Bridging the generational gap
Because we can’t help but post!!