UP ISSI Champions Filipino MSMEs at NakakaLocal Year 5: MentorConnect
The University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) joined entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business mentors at NakakaLocal Year 5: MentorConnect, an initiative of PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG) designed to help Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their businesses through practical learning, mentorship, and meaningful connections. Held on September 29, 2026, at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA. The event brought together resource speakers and experienced business practitioners to share insights on digital tools, branding, payment solutions, market expansion, and other essential aspects of business growth. Representing UP-ISSI, Ms. Senedith Delos Reyes, MBA served as one of the resource speakers, delivering a session about branding and content creation. Her presentation guided MSMEs communicate their identity, connect with customers, and strengthen their market presence. She also facilitated mentoring sessions with Allysa Anne Mari-De Guzman, MTM. Their participation highlighted UP ISSI’s role in helping local entrepreneurs strengthen their brands, improve their business capabilities, and explore opportunities for growth.
Born at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as an initiative to support local MSMEs, NakakaLocal was officially launched in 2022 by PhilSTAR Media Group under the banner NakakaLocal: Love Local, Grow Global. The initiative serves as an incubation and promotional platform where Filipino brands, artists, craftsmen, and communities can connect with wider audiences, showcase their products and talents, and find opportunities for growth. By celebrating homegrown products, creativity, and Filipino stories, NakakaLocal seeks to help local enterprises gain greater visibility and recognition while encouraging consumers and communities to support proudly Filipino businesses. Over the years, the initiative has evolved beyond providing a platform for local products. It has recognized that entrepreneurs also need access to knowledge, networks, experienced mentors, and practical guidance to navigate the challenges of running and growing a business. This commitment is reflected in MentorConnect, which makes learning more accessible, personal, and responsive to the needs of MSMEs. MentorConnect addresses these needs by reimagining the traditional seminar as an interactive social-learning experience. Rather than simply listening to presentations, participants are encouraged to select mentors whose expertise aligns with their business challenges and goals. The event’s format combines resource talks with small-group mentoring, allowing entrepreneurs to ask questions, receive feedback, explore business solutions, and build relationships with industry practitioners.
For its fifth year, NakakaLocal introduced MentorConnect as a more personalized approach to business learning. Its first leg brought together resource speakers from digital solutions, entrepreneurship education, branding, digital payments, and logistics, alongside mentors with experience in various industries. The program featured four resource speakers who shared practical insights to help MSMEs strengthen their business capabilities. Jet F. Legaspi, President and CEO of JLCG Creative & Digital Solutions, discussed “Your Digital Toolkit: Apps Every Entrepreneur Should Know,” exploring digital tools that entrepreneurs can use to support and improve their business activities. Senedith Delos Reyes, University Extension Specialist of UP-ISSI, delivered “The Content Coach: How to Build a Brand That Sells Itself,” focusing on branding, social media storytelling, and creating compelling content that helps local businesses attract and connect with customers. Lofer Mabait, Training Lead of the GCash Partner Learning Team, presented “Enter Your Easy Era: Unlocking the Future of Business with GCash,” highlighting digital payment solutions that make business transactions more convenient and efficient. Meanwhile, Roshelle Camba, Sales and Marketing Supervisor of J&T Express, discussed “How to Grow Your Business Outside Your Market,” sharing insights on opportunities for businesses to reach customers beyond their immediate local markets. The event also brought together industry practitioners and mentors who shared their experiences and provided guidance to participating entrepreneurs. The pool of mentors included Yvan Alex Milasky, Operations Manager of Mercato Centrale; Daniel Aguilar, General Manager of Mercato Centrale; Senedith Delos Reyes and Allysa Anne Mari-De Guzman, University Extension Specialists of UP-ISSI; Beaux Flamiano, Owner of Beaux Flamiano Design; Ann Gianna Ong, Jewelry Designer; Chiqui Veneracion, Business Consultant of Spearhead Consulting Inc.; and Engr. Marlon Pabustan, Owner and General Manager of Khalimah Handicrafts and Souvenirs. Through the event’s mentoring booths, participants could choose whom to consult based on their needs, discuss business concerns, receive product feedback, and explore opportunities to participate in further programs. The combination of expert-led talks and one-on-one or small-group mentoring reinforced the value of connecting business concepts with actual entrepreneurial experiences.
