La Trinidad MSME Corner

02/10/2026

17/09/2026

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥, 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

The value of an international trade mission is realized when the insights gained on the convention floor are codified into local law.

The esteemed Committee Chairperson of Trade and Industry, Hon. Nestor Fongwan, Jr., and committee member Hon. Belmer Elis, are representing the municipality of La Trinidad at the Fi Asia Indonesia 2026 - one of Southeast Asia’s leading exhibitions for the food and beverage ingredients industry, happening in Jakarta from September 16 to 18, 2026.

The visit comes at a crucial time for enhancing the ongoing development of the ordinance regarding the One-Town-One Product initiative in the municipality, which was introduced by Fongwan and Elis.

The municipal councilors discovered various relevant products that could be introduced in the town, including strawberry powder, strawberry concentrate, and cacao by-products, among others. These innovations are significant and can be successfully replicated within the community.

Moreover, the owners of Andap Strawberry Jam, Mr. Wilmar and Mrs. Mary Ann Teo-dan of Bahong were able to attend the famous exhibit.

Fongwan said that they attended the event to establish network for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and farmers. He also emphasized their role in aid of legislation, that they will be bringing their learning to the municipality and transform them into tangible and relevant laws.

“Attending trade fairs represents an investment in a municipality’s future when carried out with a clear agenda. By connecting global innovation with local governance through proactive economic policies, the municipality can evolve into a highly competitive, resilient, and prosperous hub on the world stage,” he added.

It is also worth noting that Councilor Fongwan was the author of the ordinance that established the MSME Week celebration in the capital town. This ordinance outlines the guidelines and mechanics for various programs, projects, and activities taking place during the celebration.

The Department of Trade and Industry-Baguio-Benguet invited the municipality, citing the importance of key officials in engaging with interactive and innovative programs designed to promote and develop enterprises.

//MSMEDCS Release

16/09/2026

𝐁𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐭! 𝐁𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐳𝐭! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆

August 29, 2026 | As part of the La Trinidad MSME Week activities, participants took part in a hands-on Laser Engraving Skills Training. During the sessions participants learned how digital designs can be transformed into personalized products using laser engraving tech.

Ms. Irene Balanoy of Igorot Fashion Boutique, a supermom with plenty on her plate guided the participants through the basics of laser engraving. She started her discussion on the preparation of designs and setting up the laser machine with appropriate speed and power settings for different materials. She highlights that safety procedures and correct positioning of products to be engraved is the priority in laser engraving.

Participants were given the chance to make their own designs and test it for engraving. At the end of the session, all participants managed to produce metal keychain.

16/09/2026

𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐍𝐨-𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝘕𝘰 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘯? 𝘕𝘢𝘩𝘩𝘩 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | Ms. Laarni T. Delos Santos, mompreneur from La Trinidad, led the No-Bake Cake livelihood activity through discussions on food safety, sanitation, ingredient handling and proper preparation. She also shared her experience on cake costing, pricing and packaging for those participants interested in turning their desserts into a livelihood.

After the discussion, participants were grouped and worked in small groups to make their own cheesecakes applying the techniques discussed during the session.

The activity ended with a product evaluation where finished cheesecakes were assessed based on taste, texture and presentation.

With basic food preparation skills, proper sanitation and appropriate costing, a simple dessert can become a starting point for self-reliance and livelihood.

15/09/2026

!!..Updated Schedule of MSME FASHION SHOW and MSME SUMMIT

10/09/2026

𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐋𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝, 𝐋𝐓 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰-𝐇𝐨𝐰

September 9, 2026 | LGU La Trinidad and LT Negosyo Center conducted a orientation seminar on intellectual property rights for local entrepreneurs.

During the activity Jeanne Dugui-es Dangkeo, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist II of Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Baguio Satellite Office featured 3 key discussions: a) Importance of protecting brand and trademark, b) IP issues and tips to avoid them and c) IP registration.

Mayor Roderick C. Awingan encouraged the participating entrepreneurs to put the knowledge into practice and improve their existing products and services.

Closing the activity, Hon. Nestor Fongwan Jr. emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained from the orientation to protect and strengthen their businesses through proper intellectual property registration.

02/09/2026

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT
Please be informed that the Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session, originally scheduled for September 3, 2026 (tomorrow) as part of the MSME Week Celebration is cancelled from the current activity schedule.

Instead, the Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session will be conducted as a separate two-day activity on a later date.
This adjustment is made to accommodate more participants and ensure that everyone can have a more meaningful, hands-on and well-serviced learning experience during the activity.

☕ Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session
📅 New date to be announced
📍 Venue to be announced
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
☕🤎

Please stay safe MSMEs

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session scheduled today, September 1, 2026, as part of the MSME Week Celebration, is postponed due to the prevailing weather conditions.

For the safety of our participants, organizers, and resource persons, the activity has been rescheduled as follows:

📌 September 2, 2026 – Rugmaking Skills Training
📌 September 3, 2026 – Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe.

01/09/2026

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session scheduled today, September 1, 2026, as part of the MSME Week Celebration, is postponed due to the prevailing weather conditions.

For the safety of our participants, organizers, and resource persons, the activity has been rescheduled as follows:

📌 September 2, 2026 – Rugmaking Skills Training
📌 September 3, 2026 – Coffee Roasting, Brewing, and Cupping Session

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe.

19/08/2026

𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝟯𝗥𝗗 𝗗𝗧𝗜 𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗛𝗨𝗕

To enhance the market presence and promotion of local products, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inaugurated its third One-Town One-Product Center at the government-owned Strawberry Valley Hotel and Restaurant (SVHR) located in Betag, La Trinidad.

Provincial Director Felicitas Bandonill guided the participants on the objectives of their flagship program, highlighting the first center located at the municipality’s Pasalubong Center within the Public Market managed by The Tuknorz Inc., and the second center situated at the Kai Cafe in Pico.

Bandonill further stated that the center will create opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to connect with potential partners for their growth and expansion.

In his talk, Atty. Delmar Cariño, representative of the Mayor, emphasized the government's ongoing support for product development and partnership programs for the economic sustainability of MSMEs.

Meanwhile, Councilor Nestor Fongwan, Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Industry, urged MSMEs to reach out to their office to discuss any concerns and suggestions regarding potential legislative measures. “A community flourishes when small enterprises succeed,” he said.

On the other hand, Councilor Belmer Elis wrapped up the program by emphasizing the key aspects of the ongoing crafting of the OTOP Center ordinance which he co-authored with Fongwan in the municipality. Elis also mentioned that MSMEs will be incorporated into the sisterhood programs of La Trinidad.

Various business organizations, entrepreneurs, and government offices attended the launch, including Municipal Agriculturist Nida Organo, Municipal Administrator Atty. Franco Bawang, Jr. and SVHR Manager Deborah Molitas.

Putting local goodies on display at the hotel is giving local businesses a high-five in the spotlight. This move boosts the local government's mission to champion local enterprises, making sure they are seen in strategic places.

//obp
photos: LTPIO/MCDSO

12/08/2026

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS!

Have an innovative idea, product, or business you want to protect?

Join us for the 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓 and learn how Intellectual Property Rights can help safeguard your ideas, strengthen your brand, and support business growth.

📅 Date: 18 August 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: Negosyo Center La Trinidad, 2–154 Stall, 2nd Floor, Old Public Market, Km. 5, La Trinidad, Benguet

FREE SEMINAR!
Scan the QR code on the poster to register.

If you're unable to scan the QR code, register through this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgjL-1lg7VWKQ8FvBb_LPn1Itmlx5jlelsdGnLf6kO2wb9Xg/viewform?usp=header

For inquiries:
📘 Negosyo Center La Trinidad, Benguet
📧 [email protected]
📞 0956-816-6569

Protect your ideas. Empower your brand. Strengthen your business through Intellectual Property Rights.