KMME champions turn business growth into community gains

Ten entrepreneurs from across the Philippines were recognized for showing how the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises can create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and open new opportunities for families and fellow business owners.

The 2026 Kapatid Mentor ME Growth Champions received their awards during the MSME Summit 2026 on July 18 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

The ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program.

The recognition highlights why small-business development matters beyond individual enterprises.

When entrepreneurs gain the skills and confidence to expand, their growth can benefit workers, farmers, suppliers, artisans, and consumers in surrounding communities.

KMME is a flagship mentoring initiative of the DTI implemented in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship–Go Negosyo.

The program provides micro and small entrepreneurs with 10 mentoring modules, one-on-one coaching, peer learning, and hands-on guidance.

Participants use the training to develop customized business improvement plans.

Since its launch in 2016, KMME has expanded to all 17 regions and 105 provinces and cities.

As of 2026, the program had enrolled 17,356 entrepreneurs and produced 16,863 graduates.

For this year’s awards, 10 entrepreneurs were selected from 442 nominees after a rigorous screening and evaluation process.

The process concluded with internal and final deliberations chaired by DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, DBA.

The 2026 Growth Champions represent industries ranging from food manufacturing and hospitality to education, fashion, printing, and creative services.

Jasmin Allison Obatay of JAO Plaque Awards Printing Services represented Region 4A and Rizal.

Hope Joy Montecillo Palermo of Real’s Food Products represented Region 4B and Palawan.

Marvin Intal of Intal Garments OPC represented the National Capital Region and Pasay City.

Michelle Omilgo of B@M’s Resto Bar, Lodging House & Catering Services represented Region 5 and Masbate.

Reynalyn Rodelas of UNCLE Roy Processed Food Manufacturing represented Region 4B and Marinduque.

Amric Mendoza of Atom Learning Center represented Region 3 and Bataan.

Mae Selene Resultay of Rensel’s Food Products represented the Negros Island Region and Negros Occidental.

Sevilla Magpantay of Rambelle Food Products represented Region 4A and Batangas.

Frances Uma Espinosa of Paeng-Uma Food Corporation represented Region 7 and Bohol.

Gleizl Joy Soo of House of Musa–Runway Fashion, Travel and Entertainment Production represented Region 11 and Davao del Norte.

Together, the awardees demonstrate how business expansion can create ripple effects for local producers, suppliers, and communities.

Espinosa and Soo illustrate how entrepreneurship can translate into employment, market access, and more inclusive growth.

What began as a modest fried chicken stand for Espinosa has grown into Paeng-Uma Food Corporation.

The company now operates more than 100 branches across Bohol, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.

The business started as a two-person venture.

It now employs nearly 200 people.

Paeng-Uma also features Bohol-made food products and strengthens market linkages for local farmers and suppliers.

Espinosa credited the KMME Program with giving her the confidence to pursue franchising.

The training also helped her scale the business beyond its home province.

For Soo, business growth has become a way to offer second chances.

Her social enterprise, House of Musa, transforms natural banana fiber into eco-friendly Filipiniana fashion.

The business provides sustainable livelihood opportunities to people rebuilding their lives.

Its workforce of persons deprived of liberty grew from two to more than 100.

They work alongside local weavers, seamstresses, and artisans.

Soo used lessons from KMME’s digital marketing training to introduce the company’s banana-fiber creations to international audiences.

The achievements of Espinosa, Soo, and the other honorees reflect the broader mission of KMME.

The program aims to help entrepreneurs create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and expand market opportunities for Filipino products.

As KMME enters its second decade, its Growth Champions show how the success of one enterprise can uplift entire communities.