The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Office (MSMEO), recognized Ilokano innovators in the awarding of “Adal ken Sirmata Mentoring Program: Search for the Best Business Concept” at the MSME Incubation Center on November 14.
The “Search for the Best Business Concept” aims to grant aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their innovativeness and creativity in coming up with a business plan for their proposed new product and assist them in introducing these products in the competitive market or their target market.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc congratulated and thanked the 19 contenders (15 Food Category and 4 Non-food Category). He emphasized that the provincial government will sustain its efforts to cater to and nurture young and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Of course, we know that we cannot build this kind of culture without our youth—our younger generation. You hold the creativity, the resources, and the mindset. Most especially the mindset to innovate and to take risks,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc remarked, acknowledging the great contribution of the youth in paving a path towards a more enterprising culture and a more progressive economy in the province.
During the awarding ceremony, Adrian A. Rabanal of “Ikapati Corn Arts and Crafts” was hailed as the grand winner for the Non-food Category, while Lovely Joy C. Baggao, Eden Joyce V. Lagliva, Lyka Joy T. Pasion, and Angeline I. Saet of “Bags by Cllea Hiraya” were awarded as runners up.
For the Food Category, the group of Oliver D. Caldito, Roneth Jane A. Catubig, and Aleli Jane T. Gumarad of “Coco Brew by Nuttin’ but Coffee” triumphed. Meanwhile, the group of John Carlo B. Estabilo, Nicka Jane C. Sanchez, and Joseph Christian Obien of “Mang Bean Miki” were awarded runners-up.
Gov. Marcos Manotoc expressed that the said program is only the first step for them to continue mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs in Ilocos Norte, making sure that these products can be available in the world and also be of world-class quality. He hopes that he will be able to taste the products made by the contenders in the future. (Jesusa Mae S. Sumaoang, Wester M. Agarpao & Laurence Alfred R. Espejo – PGIN-CMO interns)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)