DTI-Laguna hosts “Kaya Pa Ba? Mental Health Check for MSMEs” webinar during National MSME Week 2025, featuring sessions on emotional wellness and consumer education for entrepreneurs.

Victoria, Laguna — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Laguna Provincial Office capped off National MSME Week 2025 with a meaningful and timely webinar titled “Kaya Pa Ba? Mental Health Check for MSMEs,” held on 11 July 2025. The virtual event gathered micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners, professionals, and business advocates to address two often overlooked yet critical topics: mental wellness and consumer education.

The program officially opened with remarks from DTI-Laguna Provincial Director Mr. Christian Ted Tungohan, who emphasized the importance of holistic support for MSMEs — not just in terms of financial or technical assistance but also in terms of promoting emotional resilience and ethical business practices.

The first session, focused on mental health, was led by Ms. Avegail Agojo, RPm, the Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Bay. A registered psychometrician and MSME adviser, Agojo shared practical tools for managing burnout, recognizing emotional fatigue, and sustaining personal well-being while running a business. She reminded the attendees that mental wellness is not a luxury but a business essential.

DTI-Laguna hosts “Kaya Pa Ba? Mental Health Check for MSMEs” webinar during National MSME Week 2025, featuring sessions on emotional wellness and consumer education for entrepreneurs.
DTI-Laguna hosts “Kaya Pa Ba? Mental Health Check for MSMEs” webinar during National MSME Week 2025, featuring sessions on emotional wellness and consumer education for entrepreneurs.
DTI-Laguna hosts “Kaya Pa Ba? Mental Health Check for MSMEs” webinar during National MSME Week 2025, featuring sessions on emotional wellness and consumer education for entrepreneurs.

The second session on consumer education was delivered by Ms. Alma Arenal, Negosyo Center Business Counsellor assigned in Calamba City. She emphasized the importance of knowing and protecting consumer rights, responsible selling, and how trust and transparency in business lead to long-term growth.

As a gesture of appreciation, a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to both guest speakers for their valuable contributions to the MSME community.

The webinar concluded with Closing Remarks from Ms. Teresita Tawingan, Chief of the Business Development Division of DTI-Laguna, who reminded participants that building a business is not just about profit but also about personal care, ethics, and community support. “Kaya pa ba? Yes — especially when we take care of ourselves and one another,” she shared.

A virtual photo opportunity, distribution of evaluation forms, and instructions for claiming e-certificates followed, officially wrapping up DTI-Laguna’s week-long celebration of National MSME Week 2025.

DTI-Laguna reaffirms its commitment to promoting the holistic development of entrepreneurs by supporting them not only through capability-building programs, but also through initiatives that focus on wellness, integrity, and resilience (MNCConcejero, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 28 July 2025