DTI Iloilo helps KALIPI women start businesses

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MIAGAO, Iloilo — The Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo Provincial Office, through Negosyo Center Miagao, trained members of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina Miagao Chapter on how to start a business and helped them develop concrete business plans during an activity in Barangay Mambatad.

DTI Iloilo Negosyo Center business counselor Jaime V. Sermonia guided the participants through practical entrepreneurship tools, including market analysis, product pricing and operational planning.

The activity also included one-on-one mentoring to help each member map out strategies for running a talipapa, or market stall, for products such as chili oil, peanut butter, pickles and fresh farm produce from the municipality.

Led by chapter president Lorlie Noblezada, the KALIPI members expressed enthusiasm about turning their ideas into sustainable livelihood opportunities with technical guidance from DTI Iloilo’s Negosyo Center.

The initiative forms part of DTI Iloilo’s 2026 Women’s Month activities under the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”

The Philippine Commission on Women said the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration highlights women’s leadership as a driver of gender equality and inclusive development, providing broader context for local livelihood and enterprise-building programs for women.

Through the initiative, DTI Iloilo continues to promote inclusive entrepreneurship, support women-led enterprises and strengthen local economic development by helping community-based businesses become more competitive.