EMPOWERING MSMEs IN MANOLO FORTICH THROUGH MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Business Literacy Seminar: Understanding the Basics of Marketing Management

Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) in partnership with the Manolo Fortich Negosyo Center, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), and the Manolo Fortich Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MFCII), hosted a Business Literacy Seminar that brought together 38 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) owners operating in Manolo Fortich, equipping them with essential knowledge to boost their businesses. The seminar was held at the NBSC SWDC Building in Barangay Tankulan on May 14, 2025.

The resource speaker, Chef Greg P. Magaret—a successful restaurant owner from Gingoog City—shared his expertise by providing valuable insights into effective marketing strategies. He thoroughly discussed the importance of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), stating that earning the trust of customers is one of the best and most accessible marketing strategies. He also encouraged MSME participants to engage in marketing research, emphasizing the need to understand target customers and their preferences. In addition, he stressed the importance of choosing the right marketing channels and the critical role of advertising in promoting products. “This seminar will help them to boost their marketing strategy, how to boost their sales, the growth of their business, innovate their business, advertise their business and that it will promote it. This will help them create their brand to be known to the public and hopefully, soon their business will reach success,” Chef Magaret stated.

Alen Dompol, one of the participating MSME owners who recently started a cookie business, shared the challenges she faced and her desire to gain knowledge to overcome them. “Free man gud ang trainings sa DTI, sa Agriculture Training Institute, unya daghan kaayo mga agencies ang government nga well-supported ang mga entrepreneurs. If you’ll go into business, tawag sa imo businessman, but when you have the entrepreneurial mindset, ddto nimo ma learn ang innovations, naa kay initiatives and others, ma-learn na nimo, and na-learn pod na nako dinhi ug sa previous trainings,” Dompol said, expressing her gratitude for these free trainings and seminars.

The seminar aimed to empower MSMEs, enhance their competitiveness, and contribute to the municipality’s economic growth. Investing in business literacy enables small business owners to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately paving the way for long-term success.