26 Women Entrepreneurs Receive Business Training in Basilan

The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) Basilan conducted training for 26 women entrepreneurs in Lower Binembengan, Sumisip, on August 6, 2026, to improve the management and long-term sustainability of their ice block production business.

The session focused on key areas including financial management, product pricing, and daily operations to help the women-led micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) manage its activities more effectively.

Supported by the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the solar-powered ice block facility has been operating since March and serves the remote community of Lower Binembengan, where fishing is a major source of livelihood.

The facility helps local fisherfolk access ice within their community while creating an additional livelihood opportunity for the women entrepreneurs managing the enterprise.

Key Highlights:

• 26 women entrepreneurs receive training in financial management and operations
• Solar-powered ice facilities provide ice access and livelihood support
• MTIT promotes sustainable growth for women-led local enterprises

MTIT-Basilan Provincial Director Argie Sarco said the training forms part of MTIT’s wider efforts to help MSMEs strengthen their businesses and achieve sustainability beyond initial support.

“Our mandate is not only to assist entrepreneurs when they are starting their businesses. We also want to walk with them as they grow. And that growth must be built on good business practices,”  Argie said.

He reminded participants that running a successful business goes beyond simply making a profit, noting that entrepreneurs must monitor expenses and set appropriate prices.

“The challenge is to separate business and personal money, monitor expenses, price products correctly, and ensure the business remains profitable and sustainable,”  Argie said.

The provincial director also urged the participants to treat the activity as a practical learning opportunity and immediately apply proper cash management habits to their daily business operations.

Moving past initial assistance, MTIT is dedicated to supporting long-term business success across the province. The initiative aligns with the Bangsamoro Government’s vision for resilient local enterprises.

The training is expected to help the women entrepreneurs improve the day-to-day management of the ice block enterprise while strengthening its ability to serve the local fishing community. Better financial practices and pricing decisions can also help the business maintain regular operations and generate sustainable income.

The initiative highlights the role of women-led MSMEs in supporting local livelihoods in remote communities. By combining entrepreneurship training with access to a solar-powered production facility, the program aims to strengthen the enterprise and contribute to the economic resilience of Lower Binembengan.