DTI-Laguna conducts entrepreneurship seminar for TESDA students in Calamba City, empowering youth with business ideas, startup guidance, and consumer education through Negosyo Centers and CMDC collaboration.

Calamba City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna Provincial Office, through its Negosyo Centers Calamba, Mabitac and Paete, successfully hosted a seminar titled “Business Ideas, How to Start a Business? DTI Programs and Services, Consumer Education/Awareness and Entrep Mind Setting” held at Left Wing, Rizal Coliseum Real, City of Calamba on 09 July 2025. The collaborative effort was supported by the Calamba Manpower Development Center (CMDC), which saw active participation from the participants.

The seminar was conducted to equip students enrolled in Technical Education and Skills Development Authority with foundational entrepreneurial knowledge and mindset to help them transition from skills training to business ownership. This initiative reflects DTI’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering potential micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

The seminar was facilitated by Ms. Alma Arenal (Negosyo Center Business Counselor assigned in Calamba City), Mr. Baron Chino Capuno (Negosyo Center Business Counselor assigned in Mabitac), and Mr. Juaquin Drueco (Negosyo Center Business Counselor assigned in Paete).

Arenal presented innovative and practical business ideas, Capuno discussed how to start a business and introduced key DTI programs and services, and Drueco concluded the session with an engaging talk on consumer education and entrepreneurial mind setting.

The event gathered two hundred twenty-two (220) participants, primarily aspiring and current MSMEs. The participants actively engaged in the seminar, raising pertinent questions and sharing their experiences. The interactive nature of the seminar facilitated a productive exchange of ideas and best practices among the attendees.

DTI-Laguna conducts entrepreneurship seminar for TESDA students in Calamba City, empowering youth with business ideas, startup guidance, and consumer education through Negosyo Centers and CMDC collaboration.
DTI-Laguna conducts entrepreneurship seminar for TESDA students in Calamba City, empowering youth with business ideas, startup guidance, and consumer education through Negosyo Centers and CMDC collaboration.

One of the participants, Mr. Carlo Reyes, from Calamba City, Laguna, shared his thoughts on the seminar, “I found the seminar enjoyable and helpful. Learning about business ideas, on how to start a business and the rights of consumers, has given me more confidence to start a business. I am thankful for the support from DTI and CMDC.”

The success of the seminar underscores the importance of continued collaboration between government agencies and institutions. DTI Laguna Provincial Office, through its Negosyo Centers, remains dedicated to organizing similar events in the future to further support the local business community.

In conclusion, the series of seminars mark a significant step toward strengthening the local economy by providing aspiring business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for success. The DTI Laguna Provincial Office, together with its partners, remains committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of MSMEs in Laguna (BCCapuno, DTI Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 28 July 2025