Gattaran, Cagayan — 45 Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Gattaran took part in a training on basic bookkeeping, costing and pricing, and stock control under the ISTIV Bayanihan program held at the Gattaran Municipal Gym in Centro Norte last 12 March 2026.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Local Government Unit of Gattaran, and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – II (RTWPB – II).

The initiative sought to strengthen the financial management practices of local enterprises and introduce productivity-improvement tools that support business operations.

During the training, participants were provided with guidance aimed at helping them improve the accuracy of their financial records, establish appropriate pricing strategies, and better manage their inventory systems to assist MSMEs in maintaining stable operations and making informed decisions in a competitive market environment.

The DOLE Cagayan Field Office discussed key provisions of General Labor Standards to reinforce compliance among small businesses, and dditional technical information related to financial monitoring, cost considerations, and enterprise management was also shared throughout the sessions.

Atty. Lovely Mei R. Dela Cruz, RTWPB – II OIC Board Secretary, presented an overview of the minimum wage determination process, the different programs offered by the regional board, the productivity-based incentive scheme, and the available Productivity Toolbox training packages. Her discussion emphasized the role of structured productivity initiatives in enterprise development.

The program was facilitated by Atty. Winnie Joy C. Talamayan-Ferrer, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer, and Ms. Shayne Naree T. Beltran, Labor and Employment Officer III.

DTI representative Ms. Delila Mayormita underscored the relevance of strengthening MSMEs’ financial capabilities, noting that practical management skills contribute significantly to business resilience and long-term growth.

“This training reinforces the foundation of every MSME—proper financial management. By equipping our local entrepreneurs with the right tools and knowledge, we help them build stronger, more competitive, and more resilient businesses. The skills they gain today will support the long-term growth of enterprises in Gattaran and the wider Cagayan Valley.”

The ISTIV Bayanihan training is part of ongoing efforts to deliver productivity-enhancement interventions to MSMEs in Region II, with similar activities planned to support enterprise strengthening across the province. (Francis Joseph M. Reyes)