FEMI BENEPARTNERS’ 2010 YEAR-END CONFERENCE

It was an all seats taken at the Benepartners 2010 Year End Conference which was held at Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City last November 25, 2010 bearing the theme “Sama-samang Palalaguin ang mga Missing Middle sa Probinsiya”.  Some 52 Benepartners and guests packed the Raja function hall to witness the said event.

The conference was conceptualize on the basis of the following; (1) to share with the Benepartners the general direction of FEMI in the next three years, (2) to highlight some of the best business practices of the Benepartners, (3) to provide the Benepartners vital information such as SME website development and Micro-insurance for entrepreneurs, and (4) to recognize the valuable contribution of Benepartners in the successful implementation of the project.

To account some of the highlights, a movie presentation was shown presenting FEMI’s 2010 program highlights/achievements such as the Vision Challenge Workshop of FEMI’s BOTs, TRESP-MPC Assembly, Entrepreneurs’ Conference, Personnel’s’ Development Training (Retreat), FEMI’s conducted Seminars, DISOP Conferences, Board Tour and Consultation Sessions,  FEMI-TRESP-MPC realignment and  development of FEMI’s business model.  With these, 6,449 jobs were initially created and sustained.

FEMI 2010 project highlights

Mr. Manuel Q. Avanceña, FEMI’s President, made his presentation for FEMI’s direction in the Next Three Years: 2011-2013 with the following key notes; (1) FEMI’s sustainability, (2) assisted Entrepreneurs, (3) job generation through FEMI, (4) Learning and Development program, and (5) management and financial capability. He further emphasizes the important role of entrepreneurs, classified as the “missing middle”, in poverty alleviation through generation of jobs outside the Metro Cities.

Moreover, three selected benepartners made their testimonial sharing on Business Best Practices. Mrs. Rosemarie de Guzman of CJR Junkshop in Junkshop Management in “The Art of Winning Bids”, Mrs. Salvacion Tarraya of Joseldan Marketing in Trading of Live & Dressed Chicken in “Establishing Good Relationships with Various Partners in the Full Supply Chain”, and Mrs. Elizabeth Tinio of Tinio’s Furniture in Manufacturing of Home Décor and Interiors in “Targeting the Base of the Pyramid”.

Linkages of services to other partner institutions such as Micro insurance of Kasagana-Ka Development Center, Inc. with Micro Business Association, Inc. and Website Development for SME of Planters Development Bank were offered among the benepartners to tighten their business capabilities in terms of marketing and human resource development. Initial application of fifteen (15) entrepreneurs was able to submit their intention to Planters Bank for website development.

In recognition with the valuable recognition of benepartners, respective awards were presented to Mrs. Salvacion Tarraya of Joseldan Marketing as the “Best Benepartner in Credit Program”, Mrs. Josephine Festejo of JCF Soap Manufacturing and Mrs. Ma. Lina Lumampao of Lumampao Live & Dressed Chicken as the “Best Benepartners in Training and Consultancy Program”, Mrs. Marilinda Cunanan of DMKC Beauty Center & General Merchandise as “Best Benepartner in Job Generation, Mrs. Teresita Lerios of Lerios Machine Shop as recipient of the “Loyalty Award” and Mrs. Myrna Rafallo of Rafallo Surveying & Consultancy with the “Leadership Award”.

Lastly, the conference was concluded with the closing message of Mr. Benjamin Q. Avanceña, FEMI’s consultant, highlighting the importance of the entrepreneurs in the national building.  Hence, Femi’s commitment to be of service to entrepreneurs, known as the Missing Middle, in the provinces will be one of the catalysts in alleviating the economic condition of people in the provinces through its various programs.