SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

The Negosyo Center in MSU-IIT, under the Innovation thru eLeveraging Industry, Government, Academe Networks and inclusive Community Engagement (ILIGANiCE) program of the University, conducted series of dialogues, forum, and webinars that aim to nurture the growth of MSMEs in Iligan City. These activities are under the project entitled “Negostorya: Usaping Negosyo sa Panahon ng Pagbabago”.

With Negostorya, MSMEs and aspiring Entrepreneurs had an avenue to exchange dialogues with business people, industry practitioners and academicians. Specifically on the topics regarding:

Topic 1 - Marketing Strategies: Keeping up with the New Normal

Topic 2 - Production and Operations: Supply Chain Management

Topic 3 - Organizational Strategies: Handling Manpower

Topic 4 - Financial Management: Preparing Financial Reports

Topic 5 - Setting up an Online Business (Best Products to Sell Online)

Topic 6 - Finding Success in the Online Arena (Digital Business Solutions)

Topic 7 - Thriving in the Digital Landscape (E-fulfillment and Supply Chain Management)

Topic 8 - Social Media Marketing and Branding

Topic 9 - Packaging and Inventory Management

Topic 10 - Writing Financial Statements

Topic 11 - Labor Laws in the Philippines

Topic 12 - The Negosyo Center and Business Name Registration.

During the Negostorya on Social Media Marketing, the participants discussed social media’s impact on enterprise– helping a business grow. They were taught on how to utilize Facebook in promoting products and increasing their audience outreach. Specifically, they were introduced to Meta Business Suite and how it helps in promoting the user’s business and Facebook page. The beneficiaries learned the HOW-WHAT-WHEN to post, the essence of understanding their target audience, as well as the statistics between the most interacted post of a page. In their Neosartorya on Visual Language of Branding, the beneficiaries were taught the essence of creating a distinct entity in the mind of their consumers. Their branding must include their business’s entire personality, values, and visual aspects. They were also introduced on the importance of Brand identity (internal) and Visual identity (external), which foster relatability, differentiation, consistency, and customer loyalty. Their Negostorya on Packaging and Inventory Management focused on choosing the correct packaging, which is vital in one’s business because it is one of the reasons why customers buy the products. The participants were taught on the different types of packaging glass, metal, paper, plastic, cloth, and laminates. Consequently, in the Negostorya on inventory management, the beneficiaries learned that variability is a big factor in inventory which could be caused by transportation disruption, scarcity of resources or an unanticipated surge in demand.

The participants also engaged in Negostorya on bookkeeping and writing financial statements, where important accounting information were discussed, such as financial condition and the results of operations. They also learned about the Labor Laws in the Philippines, specifically about worker’s statutory monetary benefits– 13th month pay, holiday pay, overtime pay, service incentive leave and other workers benefits– as well as termination of employment and unfair labor practice. For those who have not yet registered their business names or those who have not yet renewed their business names, a Negostorya on Business Name Registration was conducted. The participants were likewise introduced to Negosyo Center, which promotes ease in doing business and facilitates access to services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The participants found the sessions’ contents, processes, relevance, logistics, and delivery as more than satisfactory. Most of them looked forward to having another session as they have gained a lot of input

The MSU-IIT, Miriam College, and UP Mindanao co-implemented the project dubbed as, “Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise): innovation thru Building and Leveraging Entrepreneurship Development, Networking and Inclusive Community Engagement 4 Women Entrepreneur (iBLEnDNICE 4 WomEn)”. This project seeks to alleviate women-led social enterprises across the Philippines.

In its implementation, the project was able to forge partnerships with Social Enterprise Academy (UK), Bayan Academy, Miriam College – Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI), Villgro Philippines and Peace Builders Community Incorporated. It was also able to conduct various online activities and workshops as part of the WHWise incubation program.

Moreover, the project was able to conduct Business Diagnostics and Ideation Sessions through the Lens of Indigenous People (IP) to the Talaandig Tribe at Barangay Lantapan, Bukidnon. Such activities helped the social enterprises of the Talaandig Tribe, which are led by women, to better understand the concept of social enterprise, and assist them in creating their own Business Model Canvas (BMC). During the workshop, five groups were formed based on the existing enterprises of the Talaandig. The five groups had the following products– Aglai Rice, Coffee, Lutya, Corn Wine, and Arts (Weaving). The teams facilitated the crafting of their respective BMC, incorporating their identity as Indigenous People, as well as their cultural beliefs and tradition.

Furthermore, the team conducted “WHWise:iBLEnDNiCE Learning Week”, which focused on building and leveraging entrepreneurship development, networking, and inclusive community engagements for women entrepreneurs through a Gender Responsive and Social Entrepreneurship lens. Day 1 and 2 of the program were dedicated to Gender Responsive Training which delved into key topics related to gender-responsive entrepreneurship, gender mainstreaming in business strategies, gender biases and stereotypes, and gender inclusive business environment. 

Day 3 was focused on Social Entrepreneurship, including identifying social problems, designing innovative solutions, and implementing effective strategies to create social change. Day 4 of the program featured a Business Diagnostic Session, which provided valuable insights and guidance to participants on how to assess and improve their business models, strategies, and operations. The diagnostic session enabled participants to identify strengths and weaknesses in their businesses and to explore potential areas for growth and improvement.

Throughout the 4-day Learning Sessions, participants had the opportunity to network and connect with fellow women social entrepreneurs, share their stories, and learn from each other's experiences.

The MSU-IIT ILIGANiCE (Innovation thru Leveraging Industry, Government, Academe Networks and inclusive Community Engagement) team conducted an “Innovation Business Recovery (IBR) Program” project – a potential solution to the challenges and constraints in the MSMEs' business operations brought about by the pandemic. The MSU-IIT ILIGANiCE team identified those businesses in Iligan City that faced challenges due to the pandemic. The team helped them rise again through exposing them with various business strategies, as well as through networking and  collaboration. The initial phase of the Innovation for Business Recovery project was to conduct a pilot test first, with the Sabroso Cakes and Favors as its pilot beneficiary. The team conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) first, then proceeded with an informative IBR-Suggested Next Steps session. Consequently, an IBR Plan was crafted with the help of selected writers. The last step was monitoring through an online meeting with the owner, to discuss the result of the recommendations included in the IBR Plan. Since the pilot testing with Sabroso Cakes and Flavors was successful, the MSU-IIT ILIGANiCE team, together with Dr. Alita Roxas, and the experts from DTI-LDN, DOST- Lanao del Norte, and CCIFII (Iligan Chamber) generously assisted other business beneficiaries:

• Madem KaCao;

• Mysa 2D Café;

• Pedal Bean business;

• Full House HaluHalo and Snacks;

• Spot Cafe; and

• Margeuries House of Goodies

The beneficiaries filled-out the Business Impact Survey, and were immediately scheduled for Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA).

During the Rapid Needs Assessment meeting with each business beneficiary, the expert writer assigned to each beneficiary, ILIGANiCE team, and the business owner engaged in a collaborative discussion, sharing insights and perspectives to identify the most critical business issues. The interview is an integral part of the Innovation for Business Recovery process to gain in-depth information about the needs of the local business.

For Madem KaCao, the MSU-IIT ILIGANiCE connected with the Food Technician from USTP to consult about the beneficiary’s Kaong product. They were then given advice on the production process of Kaong. Consequently, the team, together with Ms. Jude Maternal (Food Technologist) and the Iligan Chamber of Commerce (CCIFII), conducted a site visit at Madem Ka-Cao Production Area to fully assess the production flow of Kaong. For Mysa 2D Cafe, a face-to-face meeting with the owner, together with expert writers Prof. Stephen Fajardo of MSU-IIT Marketing Department, and Mr. Constantino Brasileño of MSU-IIT, iDEYA was conducted for the Rapid Needs Assessment. 

For 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐧, the assigned writer is 𝐃𝐫. 𝐓𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐆. 𝐓𝐚𝐧 of the University of the Philippines Cebu.

For 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬, their assigned writer is Asst. Prof. Acopiado. She identified areas of improvement for the beneficiary, as a guiding compass to meet the evolving demands of the customers and make the business thrive.

For Spot Cafe, a virtual RNA was conducted to have a comprehensive evaluation of Spot Cafe's needs and interests. Its IBR writer is Prof. Joan Marie Edera. The same for Margeuries House of Goodies.

Consequently, after the RNA, the MSU-IIT ILIGANiCE Team conducted an informative IBR-Suggested Next Step Session with the owners and their respective expert writers. This is a crucial and necessary measure to craft an IBR Plan for the beneficiaries.

After the successful sharing of insights and planning, all the beneficiaries were given their IBR Plan– containing valuable business insights specifically crafter for their individual businesses, as well as, recommendations to foster their business growth and innovation.

Importantly, their progress is keenly monitored by MSU-IIT ILIGANiCE – remaining steadfast in providing assistance to the beneficiaries.