Nurturing Dreams, Serving Purpose:How Two Filipino Entrepreneurs Grew Their Businesses with Sun Life by Their Side

MANILA, PH – Behind every beloved Filipino food brand is a story of courage, creativity, and resilience. For Chef Czarina Sevilla, owner of Avocadoria, and Wendy Villanueva, owner of Wilmar’s Taho, building a brand meant transforming vibrant local flavors into thriving enterprises.

 

These women prove that success in entrepreneurship is built on passion, purpose, and planning for the future. Despite their different origins, both entrepreneurs share a common partner in their journey towards business growth: Sun Life.

 

Avocadoria: From a Simple Idea to a National Craze

 

For Chef Czarina Sevilla, Avocadoria was born from a desire to elevate the familiar. “We wanted to turn something familiar into something healthier, more meaningful, and proudly local,” she shared. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a brand recognized locally for its creamy, avocado-based delights.

 

Avocadoria’s rise was fast, but its growth was intentional. Guided by the values of quality, consistency, and care, Chef Czarina made sure every product they served reflected the team’s dedication. However, the rapid growth of the business also brought hurdles. “Our biggest challenge was scaling while maintaining quality,” said Chef Czarina. “But we addressed this by strengthening our systems, training people well, and planning ahead especially in managing costs and risks.”

 

As the business grew, Chef Czarina realized the importance of protecting everything she has built, including her people, her operations, and her future. This motivated her to engage with Sun Life for their business protection and financial planning solutions. “Knowing we had proper coverage from Sun Life gave us the confidence to expand and invest in growth because risks were already planned for,” Chef Czarina explained.

 

Today, Avocadoria proudly operates multiple local and international branches. With Sun Life, Chef Czarina can enjoy peace of mind as she continues to serve her customers and grow her business.

 

Wilmar’s Taho: A Legacy Reimagined

 

Wendy Villanueva, owner of Wilmar’s Taho, was focused on keeping a thirty-year legacy moving forward. She runs the business guided by the values of integrity, consistency, and care. Started by her parents in 1990, the business faced its greatest test during the pandemic.

 

“I decided to sell taho online so that the business could continue and reach more customers,” Wendy recalls. Navigating local government regulations to ensure her vendors were classified as “essential” was a challenging task, but her commitment to her employees and her family’s heritage kept her driven. Supported by her husband and her family, Wendy transitioned the traditional street-side staple into a modern, digitally accessible brand.

 

For Wendy, partnering with Sun Life was about community and credibility. Beyond financial security, her relationship with Sun Life opened doors for the brand to reach new heights. “Being a Sun Life Client gave me opportunities like being invited to sell at the One Sun Life Congress,” she said. “It helped promote Wilmar’s Taho and build our brand’s credibility. This was our second time to serve Sun Lifers, and it’s always a pleasure to be a part of this community.”

 

With her personal and business finances secured, Wendy can focus on the future of Wilmar’s Taho, knowing that the legacy her parents started decades ago is strengthened for the next generation.

 

Future-Proof Your Business Today

 

The stories of Chef Czarina and Wendy highlight an important lesson for every Filipino entrepreneur: the best time to protect your business is while it is thriving. By choosing Sun Life, these two leaders have ensured that their dreams are shielded from the unexpected, allowing them to focus on what they do best – serving the flavors that Filipinos love.

 

To know more about Sun Life’s products and services for business owners, visit sunlife.co/entrepfinancialplan or talk to a Sun Life Financial Advisor today.

Filipino Microentrepreneurs Triumph at the 4th DFIA

Celebrating the role of technology and innovation in shaping sustainable economic growth, the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) honoured Filipino microentrepreneurs and microfinance institutions (MFIs) who have engaged digital tools to grow their businesses and uplift their communities. This year’s honourees embody how financial inclusion can drive sustainable growth and create lasting opportunities for underserved Filipinos.

 

Jointly organized by the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) and the Citi Foundation, with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the DFIA continues to champion inclusive progress through digital transformation. The awarding ceremony gathered key leaders and partners in the finance sector, including BSP governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila, and MCPI chairperson Eduardo C. Jimenez, who emphasized the importance of innovation in strengthening the microfinance ecosystem.

A total of seventeen (17) outstanding microentrepreneurs received ₱100,000 each in cash grants and brand-new laptops to help accelerate their digital journey. Representing diverse industries such as agriculture, food production, retail, and handicrafts, this year’s awardees are Josephia Azores, Roby Grace Bernabe, Mylene Bersabal, Carmelita Dapanas, RJ De Chavez, Ailyn Flormata, Raquel Lanaban, Gladys Maipid, Edna Maloon, Annalisa Monil, Lorlie Noblezada, Rosalie Orijola, Cecilia Oroc, Maricar Pagao, Danise Palmero, Niel Danica Polong, and Alan Romero.

 

At the institutional level, three (3) institutions were also recognized for their leadership in advancing digitalization. The awardees included GRF Hublag Microfinance Foundation, Inc., MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center, and Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc.

 

“Our awardees prove that the old narrative of digital tools being out of reach and too complicated no longer holds,” said BSP governor Remolona. “With simple yet innovative digital tools, such as online selling, QR payments, business systems, we are rewriting what’s possible for Filipino entrepreneurs.”

 

“The DFIA reinforces Citi Foundation’s mission to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities. We celebrate not only your business milestones but the lives you continue to uplift, as we all work together to build more sustainable, economically vibrant communities. Your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation inspire us all,” added Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila.

 

Now in its fourth year, the DFIA continues to serve as a platform for recognizing Filipino ingenuity and the power of technology to open new doors of opportunity. The program amplifies awareness of how microfinance and digital innovation help create a more resilient, inclusive, and empowered nation.

 

The DFIA builds on the legacy of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, allowing Citi Foundation and MCPI to further advance awareness of how microentrepreneurship and microfinance drive financial inclusion and empower low-income Filipinos toward sustainable growth.

CITEM Market Sensing Mission to Taiwan to Strengthen PH SDG Competency

Building a more inclusive and resilient future for the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is embarking on a strategic market sensing mission to Taiwan. Attending SDG Asia 2025 from September 11-13, 2025 at the Taipei World Trade Center, the CITEM-led delegation will gather crucial insights on the latest business models, innovations, and technologies in food systems, smart cities, and the circular economy. 

This mission aims to position Filipino enterprises as key players in the global sustainability landscape, fostering new partnerships, and identifying export growth opportunities that advance the nation's sustainability agenda. This strategic visit reinforces the Philippines' commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). All these reflect CITEM's mandate to promote Philippine products and services in the global market, with a special focus on sustainable and innovative sectors. 

Taiwan, as a leading proponent of sustainability, consistently demonstrates its expertise in renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and waste management. It has also actively shared its knowledge and technology in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. Taiwan is actively working toward achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2050 as part of its contribution to curbing global climate change.  

The delegation is composed of 11 enablers and sustainability advocates from local governments, agencies, and companies in green technology. Their advocacies are anchored on key concepts interrelated to sustainable development, such as economic stability, environmental impact, good governance, and societal health. For instance, the Municipality of Buguey in Cagayan spearheads climate-resilient, eco-friendly practices for farmers and fisherfolk toward sustainable product development and food security. For DTI Region I, which covers Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, it enhances the region’s competitiveness through global green design and safety standards in product development, logistics efficiency, and responsible consumerism. Another participant, Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp., focuses on creating products that address nutritional health amidst poverty, calamities, and overall well-being. Meanwhile, the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office champions inclusivity of micro and small enterprises and cooperatives through capacity-building, financing, and mentorship programs.

The rest of the delegation are representing the following offices: DTI-CARAGA, DTI-Ilocos Norte, and DTI-Pangasinan. 

The diverse roster follows a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to exploring sustainable solutions and fostering international collaboration. In cooperation with Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, the visiting team will also participate in facility visits during the mission.

The country’s sustainability efforts are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) 2024-2028, a joint strategic planning framework for partnership between the Philippines and the UN. This CF aligns with the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

This year’s market sensing mission also serves as a platform to promote next year’s Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Conference and Exhibition to be held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City, Philippines that is concurrent with the 19th edition of IFEX Philippines on May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

The SSX is one of CITEM’s signature programs that is the country’s first platform promoting sustainable practices, resources, and technology to the world’s essential industries. SSX creates avenues for Philippine MSMEs and other businesses to continue or transition toward a circular economy.

National Poverty Alleviation Office, DTI, GCash Encourage Grassroots Entrepreneurship through MSME Webinar

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation (OPAPA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and over 100 small business founders—working in cooperation with leading mobile finance app GCash—recently concluded Sumakses!, a three-part weekly webinar series. Designed to empower Filipinos to start their own business and take control of their financial future, the series brought together government, industry, and community voices in support of inclusive entrepreneurship.

Streamed on OPAPA’s official Facebook page, Sumakses! features real-life case studies from micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) founders, many of whom began their businesses using limited resources. Each episode is followed by a financial literacy segment designed to equip viewers with practical tools and insights to help entrepreneur sustain their ventures and improve long-term economic resilience.

The series featured over 100 successful small business founders, many of whom have already scaled into small factories from their humble beginnings as home businesses. The success stories enlighten viewers not only on how to jumpstart their ideas but also how they sustained them with small business solutions and wealth-building tools such as GCash for Business.

Behind the series was the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation (OPAPA), established by the Office of the President to lead the coordination and strengthening of national poverty reduction efforts. With a mandate to craft and oversee strategic, multi-sectoral programs, OPAPA focuses on uplifting poor and marginalized Filipinos through grassroots empowerment, inclusive economic development, and sustainable livelihood.

OPAPA’s goal is to champion long-term solutions, shifting away from charity schemes but rather toward programs that foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Its advocacy centers on equipping Filipinos with the tools, opportunities, and agency to rise out of poverty through meaningful work, financial inclusion, and enterprise.

“Poverty alleviation must begin at the grassroots level,” said OPAPA Secretary Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon. “We believe in equipping Filipinos not just with livelihood but with lasting capability, and we welcome the contributions of MSME founders to this effort.”

The initiative addresses a vital segment of the economy. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, MSMEs account for 99.5% of registered businesses in the Philippines and employ over 63% of the workforce. Yet despite their prevalence, many MSMEs face barriers to digital adoption and financial education, particularly in rural areas and among first-time entrepreneurs.

GCash contributed to the program through a weekly financial literacy segment hosted by Joseph “Chippy” Dimayuga, GCash customer success partnerships manager. In his segment, Dimayuga talks about accessible finance tools such as GLoan, GSave and GInvest, as well as GCash for Business, a suite of digital solutions tailored to MSMEs with minimal capital.

“With a proper business mindset, it can be simple to earn money, but keeping that hard-earned income is where the real challenge begins,” said GCash customer success partnerships manager Joseph Dimayuga. “We want to help aspiring entrepreneurs not just discover ways to make money, but also learn how to manage it wisely, grow it sustainably, and protect it for the long haul. Financial literacy is the foundation that allows small business owners to turn a good idea into lasting success.”

By combining entrepreneurial storytelling with inclusive financial education, Sumakses! offers a practical roadmap for ordinary Filipinos to rise above poverty through sustainable business ownership.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

DTI Unveils Top 5 Startup Finalists of ADVanCE for Creatives Program

03 April 2024, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially announced the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program on March 21, 2024, at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City.

Selected from an initial pool of eight growth-stage startups, the top five finalists underwent assessments focused on organizational capacity, business maturity, and readiness levels. In these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage evaluated each startup based on its product status, team dynamics, future objectives, and challenges, concentrating on how the program could support its growth. This ensured that the chosen finalists were not only well-prepared to navigate forthcoming challenges but were also positioned to make a significant impact on the creative sector through their innovative and scalable solutions.

The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.

The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups, emphasizing DTI's dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”

The finalists will benefit from comprehensive training through a series of learning workshops, mentorship from industry experts, and customized business matching and acceleration programs. The program will culminate in a demo day in April, providing an opportunity for the startups to showcase their progress and attract potential partners and investors.

In addition to ADVanCE, DTI previously unveiled ten select creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program, further bolstering the Philippine Creative Industries.The selected startups for IDEA are Wika, 7x7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.

DTI-Laguna Conducts Livelihood Orientation Seminar to CMDC’s Graduates and Trainees

Calamba City — On March 22, 2024, the Calamba Manpower Development Center (CMDC), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna), through its Negosyo Centers, spearheaded a livelihood orientation seminar for the graduates and trainees of CMDC held at 3rd floor lobby, New City Hall, Calamba City, Laguna. It was attended and participated in by 262 graduates and trainees from different courses.

The said livelihood orientation program commenced with an opening prayer led by Ms. Zenisa Alinsunurin, followed by the welcome remarks delivered by Mr. Crisolo Gamboa, Senior Manpower Development Officer.

Continuing with the program, Ms. Avegail Agojo, Business Counselor from Bay, led a discussion on how to start a business. She discussed the pros and cons of managing a business based on ownership, as well as the step-by-step process of starting a small business.

Following Agojo’s presentation, Ms. Rica Mae Garcia, Business Counselor from Majayjay, tackled business ideas. She presented some small business ideas and the required capital needed to start them, along with the type of business they want to engage with.

The third speaker, Ms. Michelle Caymo, Business Counselor assigned in Nagcarlan, talked about the programs and services offered by the Department, as well as the two (2) divisions it has and their specific functions.

Next, Garcia imparted knowledge on consumer education, specifically addressing the consumer’s eight (8) rights and five (5) responsibilities, which should be practiced and exercised by every consumer.

Lastly, Mr. Carl Eric Villanueva, Business Counselor from Magdalena, provided information on the difference between business and entrepreneurship and the characteristics and traits an entrepreneur must possess. He also named some entrepreneurs who experienced failures and hindrances but remained successful in operating their businesses nowadays.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer portion wherein participants were able to clarify some points and share their insights.

Overall, the seminar received positive comments from the participants and they expressed their satisfaction with the learning activity.

DTI MIMAROPA Unleashes the Power of Pinay Entrepreneurs in the Digital Space

Around 20 women-led enterprises from Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan came together in Makati City, for a one-day TikTok Content Creation Workshop organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA and Dentsu Creative Philippines- a global creative digital agency.

The lineup of speakers for the event featured an all-women panel, including internationally acclaimed experts from the advertising industry, social media personalities such as Mayora Frances from Home Buddies, and one of the co-owners of the successful local shoe brand Renegade Folk, Bea Sambalido.

The activity was held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in line with the celebration of the National Women's Month.

As one of the regional leaders of digitalization initiatives in the country, the DTI MIMAROPA seeks to foster the creativity and innovation of the Pinay entrepreneurs through e-Commerce platforms, thereby elevating their growth and entrepreneurial mindset.

Frances Cabatuando, founder of Home Buddies, discusses the topic on building an online community during the TikTok Content Creation Workshop organized by the DTI MIMAROPA and Dentsu Creative Philippines on March 19, 2024, in Makati City.

The activity also aimed to onboard the women entrepreneurs (WEs) on the grown social commerce platform TikTok Shop, increase the reach and availability of their enterprises/brands, help increase their sales, link the WEs with creative industry players through creative collaboration, introduce innovative channels for marketing and sales, and help the WEs build and connect with their community.

Globe Business Shines Spotlight on Outstanding ‘Pinaypreneurs’

KD Dizon, Vice President and Head, Globe Business; Pinay entrepreneur Hiyasmin Neri-Soriano; and Angie Po, Vice President for Product, Globe Business.

A year after receiving the Innovator Award from Globe Business at Cosmopolitan PH's Women of Influence 2023, dynamic Pinay entrepreneur Hiyasmin Neri-Soriano continues to stand out as a model of innovation and leadership, embodying the principles that earned her the prestigious recognition.

Over the past 12 months, Hiyasmin has showcased a blend of creativity and a profound grasp of technology as co-founder and CEO of Shoppertainment Live. This led to her recent appointment to the Board of Directors of The Philippine Marketing Association, where she focuses on public relations and communications, further highlighting her influence in the field.

Shoppertainment Live launched groundbreaking campaigns and engaged prominent entertainment and business personalities as anchors for its digital social commerce program. 

“The past year has been incredibly dynamic for me and Shoppertainment Live. We've initiated several distinctive live shopping campaigns across social media and marketplaces, with each session lasting from 3 to 4 hours which completes a full 24-hour stretch. We have also been exploring AI when it comes to content creation for video marketing,” Hiyasmin shared. 

A key aspect of Shoppertainment Live’s success story is its partnership with Globe Business. Serving as its internet partner, Globe Business has played a crucial role in enabling the company to do extensive and simultaneous livestream events for over 250 brands.

“Globe Business, as our reliable connectivity partner, has enabled us to conduct extensive and simultaneous livestream events for more than 250 brands. Leveraging this partnership, we have also effectively powered live commerce initiatives for Globe and have consistently achieved significant monthly sales volumes of sim cards through our live selling strategies,” said Hiyasmin.

KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business, encapsulates the essence of this partnership, stating, "We stand united with every woman entrepreneur in overcoming challenges and unlocking their potential by providing innovative solutions, and access to resources necessary for their enduring success."

In the spirit of International Women's Month, Globe Business is set to once again   honor two exceptional women business leaders and owners who have significantly contributed to the digital transformation of their enterprises, mirroring the impactful journey of Hiyasmin. The announcement of the winners will take place at the Cosmopolitan PH's Women of Influence Awards 2024.

As the event draws near, the story of Hiyasmin shines as a source of inspiration. Her achievements over the past year not only spotlight her innovative spirit but also stress the vital role of digital technology in propelling businesses forward.

Discover how Globe Business champions the digital transformation and empowerment of women entrepreneurs by visiting https://www.globe.com.ph/business.

Sari-sari Store Owner wins iPhone 15 from Smart and GrowSari

For 36-year-old Grace, her sari-sari store in Quezon City is a way to support the financial needs of her family. A mother of three children, Grace works day and night to ensure that her store is filled with grocery products and additional services such as telco load for her customers.

A sari-sari store vendor for five years, Grace came upon tech-enabled platform GrowSari in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I just saw it on Facebook, it just appeared on my feed, then I installed it on my phone,” she shared. What enticed her the most is the fact that she did not need to spend extra when getting the goods. “I don’t have to pay for additional transportation, it’s free shipping, and they deliver door-to-door. They also suggest additional products that can help me increase my sales,” Grace added, who has been a GrowSari Tindera for three years now.

GrowSari is a business-to-business platform that aims to help millions of sari-sari stores like Grace’s gain access to affordable and on-demand inventory, working capital credit lines, and seamless ordering and delivery of goods through their strong distribution hubs.

Aside from daily groceries, Grace also said that her loading business rakes in income for her store. As trusted telco brands, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and TNT continue to serve as a steady source of income for most micro-entrepreneurs. GrowSari has also integrated multiple microservices like telco load, bills payment, e-commerce, WiFi, and other e-services in their portfolio, enabling sari-sari store owners to maximize their capital in one wallet and expand their business.

“Smart and TNT [load] sell really well in our store. We can get up to P3,000 a day from selling load products such as GIGA Video 50 and All Out Surf 20,” she said.

To reward its active sellers like Grace, GrowSari and Smart worked together to launch a raffle promo to delight and inspire them with an iPhone 15 as they enter the new year.

“I did not expect to win this prize,” Grace said during the small awarding ceremony held in her store this month. She shared that it was her first time landing a spot among the top 20 active sellers in GrowSari, and that she just entered once to join the contest. “I am grateful to Smart and GrowSari for this reward,” she added.

Smart has been a partner of GrowSari since 2020, allowing the telco to reach even more customers all over the Philippines through its fast-expanding network of sari-sari stores nationwide.

In its effort to deliver top-class communication services to the millions of Filipinos in the country, PLDT and Smart are relentless in initiating relevant partnerships as part of the PLDT Group’s broader goal to elevate the quality of overall customer experience.

 

Powered by the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network

 

The Smart LiveStream App is powered by the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network, as cited by Ookla, the global leader for mobile and broadband network intelligence. Smart is the first and only Philippine mobile operator to earn such rare and prestigious recognition for three consecutive reporting periods - in Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and Q1-Q2 2023. 

 

To know more about the NBTC on the Smart LiveStream App, follow Smart’s official Facebook or go to smart.com.ph/Pages/livestream. 

DTI Invites Creative Startups to Jumpstart Businesses with IDEA, ADVanCE Programs

2 February 2024 Manila, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), is looking for creative startup companies to onboard to their two programs designed to support and strengthen the creative industries in the Philippines.

The DTI-CIG, led by Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, in partnership with startup accelerator Launchgarage, has launched the creatives edition of the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) programs aimed at providing customized support to creative startups in the Philippines to help them become market and investment-ready.

The application period is until 11 February 2024. To know more about the programs and submit applications, interested parties can visit the official websites of the IDEA program-creatives edition and the ADVanCE program, as well as the DTI-CIG Facebook page.

"The programs are a testament to the Philippine government's belief in the immense potential of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship. By providing the much-needed support and platform, we are setting the stage for creative startups to not only thrive locally but also make a significant impact on the global stage. The creative sector is a vital component of our economy and cultural identity, and through initiatives like these, we aim to foster an environment where ideas can flourish, talents are honed, and success stories are born," Usec. Aldaba said.

The Philippine creative industries play a significant role in the national economy. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed the creative economy amounted to P1.60 trillion in 2022, contributing 7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, the sector was responsible for employing almost 7 million Filipinos that year.

The IDEA for Creatives edition will onboard 10 early-stage creative startups and enterprises to support and enhance their entrepreneurial capacity and readiness. Under the program, selected startups will participate in various educational workshops aimed at transforming their inventive business concepts into successful enterprises. Each will be paired with experienced mentors and coaches to guide them in their startup journey. The program culminates with a showcase event, where startups can present their ventures to program stakeholders, angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate representatives, and key figures in the ecosystem.

Early-stage startups that are operating in the Philippines with a minimum viable product, registered or in the process of registration to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or DTI, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the IDEA program, are eligible to apply.

Meanwhile, an initial pool of 10-15 startups will be chosen to participate in the ADVanCE for Creatives. After the preliminary screening, they will be assessed based on organizational capacity, business maturity, and readiness levels. From there, five participating startups will be selected to proceed to the acceleration phase and undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified from the needs assessment.

To be eligible, startups should be in their growth and expansion stage and are based in the country with at least two years of operations with revenue, SEC or DTI-registered, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the ADVanCE program.

DTI welcomes all creative startups within the domains of audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites to apply to the programs.

"We call on all eligible creative startups to seize this unparalleled opportunity. Join us in this endeavor to transform your innovative ideas into successful enterprises and become part of a movement that celebrates and elevates Filipino talent and ingenuity," Aldaba shares.

The IDEA and ADVanCE programs are aligned with RA 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, aimed at providing benefits and programs to strengthen, promote, and develop the Philippine startup ecosystem. Their latest cohorts will focus on the creative industries in accordance with Republic Act No. 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), which mandates the development of a vibrant and globally competitive Philippine creative sector by protecting and enhancing their rights and boosting economic capacities.

DTI in Bagong Pilipinas Kick-off Rally

MANILA CITY–Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual joined the call for a Bagong Pilipinas at the Quirino Grandstand on 28 January 2024. The trade chief expressed the DTI's strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision to usher the country towards change and development. Aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Department champions programs aimed to boost employment, foster business growth, and safeguard consumer rights.

Secretary Pascual reaffirmed the DTI’s steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth as envisioned in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028. Among the key priorities that he outlined include maximizing the economic opportunities from free trade agreements, which enabled secured market access for the country's export products. He added that the Department will continue to forge green lanes for strategic investments that will promote high-quality and better-paying jobs.

DTI-Competitiveness & Innovation Group

CALIFORNIA, USA—Following the Signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Plug and Play in November 2023, the Philippine delegation to the 2024 Consumer Electronics show met with Plug and Play co-founder Jojo Flores on 16 January 2024 at their Silicon Valley headquarters. The meeting deep dived on the use-cases of the partnership based on the Plug and Play’s growth model for supporting and scaling tech startups.

During the discussion, Plug and Play introduced its Horizon Philippines program which aims to champion a national startup strategy, foster entrepreneurship, boost economic growth, and position the country as a regional technology and innovation hub—leading towards an IP-based economy.

As a use-case, the Philippines has a robust electronics manufacturing sector (OEM) and the partnership with Plug and Play is envisioned to develop an ecosystem with OEMs, System integrators (Tier 1), Chip designers: IDM & Fabless (Tier 2), Foundries (Tier 3), and Equipment & Packaging. Such an ecosystem will be a platform for fostering the development of new products and services that will be key to future-proofing and revolutionizing our industries

DTI: Stay Vigilant Against Holiday Scams for Balikbayan Box Transactions

The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reminds the public to be vigilant especially the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) when sending their balikbayan boxes this coming holiday season as influx of shipments is expected.

The FTEB implements the accreditation of seafreight forwarders (SFF) as part of its mandate to protect consumers from fly-by-night or unaccredited companies and entities.   

  

As of November 2023, the DTI-FTEB has issued 736 SFF accreditation of which 153 are engaged in Balikbayan box shipments.  

 

From 2018 to December 2023, the DTI-FTEB received and mediated a total of 520 complaints involving undelivered Balikbayan boxes. The following should serve as tips to the public when dealing with sea freight forwarders:  

 

• Check the list of Foreign Freight Forwarders and their DTI-accredited Philippine counterparts/agent from the DTI website to validate information:
  https://www.dti.gov.ph/consumers/accredited-seafreight-forwarders.  fairtrade@dti.gov.ph  
• Take note of the items not allowed to be sent through balikbayan boxes (e.g., currencies, checks, jewelries, firearms, ammunitions and explosives, etc.)  
• Declare all the contents of your balikbayan box per item and its corresponding value in the packing list.  
• Secure shipping documents such as official receipt, cargo receipt, invoice, Bill of Lading, shippers’ declaration or waybill.  
• Get the name and contact details of the foreign consolidator’s Philippine counterpart or agent-freight forwarder which should be accredited by the DTI.   
• Beware of exceptionally very low rates.  
• Beware of people posing as representatives of consolidators in your place. Ask for proper identification, check with the consolidators if they are an employee or authorized to represent the said companies.  
• Monitor the movement of your cargo from origin to destination.   
• Ask the consolidators on how to procure insurance for your cargoes.  
• Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine agent even before it arrives.  

DTI-FTEB Director Fhillip D. Sawali reminds the public to transact with accredited SFFs, especially during the holiday season as their legitimacy can be verified.    

Freight fowarders and firms found to be in violation of existing policies on balikbayan boxes shall be penalized such as imposition of administrative fines, issuance of cease orders, or suspension of cancellation of accreditation pursuant to applicable DTI rules.  

 

To ensure the delivery of balikbayan boxes, the DTI reminds the public to frequently visit the following sites:  

1. https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/accredited-seafreight-forwarders/ (list of accredited seafreight forwarders and their Foreign Agents sending Balikbayan Box) to get the contact information of Philippine agent-forwarder that should deliver the cargo.  
2. https://parceltracking.customs.gov.ph/kiosk.php (Bureau of Customs Parcel and Balikbayan Box Tracking System).  The BOC may be reached through BOCCares@customs.gov.ph for inquiries if the shipments are not yet cleared for delivery from BOC.  

DTI also encourages the consumers to report any unlawful acts and/or violations in relation to sea freight forwarding services. Complainants within the National Capital Region may file a complaint supported with documents, such as official receipts, cargo receipts, shippers’ declaration, house bills of lading, or waybills with the DTI-FTEB. Consumer complaints may also be sent through  consumercare@dti.gov.ph email or by calling the consumer care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384).