UP ISSI GABAy Program
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the local economy, with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) bearing the brunt of its impact. With limited resources and high susceptibility to economic shocks, many MSMEs have struggled to maintain their operations and adapt to the new normal. To help address this pressing issue, the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) in July 2022 has launched the Gain Advancement through Business Advisory and Support Service (GABAy) Program, an initiative designed to assist and guide MSMEs in developing pivotal strategies to effectively adjust during these difficult times.
GABAy is UP ISSI’s flagship advocacy program that aims to accelerate the growth and sustainability of MSMEs by providing online mentoring and online marketing support. It offers a comprehensive range of services to support MSMEs, including enterprise counseling (online and face-to-face) and online marketing support, for enhanced productivity and efficiency. Under this program, entrepreneurs can receive personalized advice to diagnose and resolve their operational issues. The program also assists MSMEs in the development of marketing collaterals and articles, business planning and networking.
While GABAy mainly caters to MSMEs, it also offers guidance to government and non-government organizations engaged in enterprise development. Last year, UP ISSI has forged collaborations with Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) programs at five (5) State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the country. The involved SUCs are Cavite State University (Indang, Cavite), Central Mindanao University (Maramag, Bukidnon), Sultan Kudarat State University (Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Sto. Tomas, La Union), and Benguet State University (La Trinidad, Benguet). The inaugural group of GABAy clients consists of twenty (20) innovative agri-aqua startups.
In addition to existing collaborations, UP ISSI is actively engaging in discussions with various organizations and working towards establishing more partnerships. These efforts aim to expand the program’s reach and support, fostering the growth and development of even more MSMEs.
To learn more about the GABAy Program and how it can benefit your business, organization, or community, reach out to UP ISSI’s Business Enterprise Development Division by phone at (+632) 8981-8500 (VoIP Local 4087) or email at enterprisedevt_issi.upd@up.edu.ph. You can also visit our office, at Room 403, 4th Floor, E. Virata Hall, E. Jacinto St., University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.