Last November 22, 2024, Barangay Calumbuyan came alive with an inspiring gathering of 17 women determined to redefine their community’s narrative. The Marketing Orientation for the Calumbuyan Women’s Association (CWA), spearheaded by the dynamic Ms. Joella Opina from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was a beacon of knowledge, hope, and empowerment.

This initiative wasn’t just another lecture on the “Four Ps” of marketing—Product, Price, Place, and Promotion—it was a masterclass on turning small dreams into tangible realities. From dissecting the essence of a product to strategizing its promotion, participants walked away with a roadmap for success.

“What is the product?” resonated deeply as the women were encouraged to align their offerings with community needs. “How much do competitors charge for similar products?” sparked a lively discussion on fair pricing and value. Questions like “Which venues do buyers frequent?” and “When is the right time to promote?” left the attendees brimming with actionable ideas.

Collaboration Opens Doors

One of the highlights was the interactive Q&A session, where the participants eagerly inquired about submitting proposals to the DTI. Ms. Opina, ever supportive, assured them of assistance in crafting proposals aligned with DTI priorities. She also offered access to DTI’s facilities in Pavia for future baking ventures—an opportunity that could transform their entrepreneurial aspirations.

The presence of Punong Barangay Evelyn Sorolla lent an extra layer of gravitas to the event. Her active participation marked a milestone for the CWA, symbolizing unity and support from local governance.

Voices of Change

The women left the orientation with a renewed sense of purpose.

• Maricel shared, “Nami gid kay nabal-an namon ang dapat kag indi dapat namon nga negosyuhon.” (It’s really great because we learned what we should and shouldn’t venture into for business.”)
• Lejanie remarked, “Maayo gid kay gin tagaan kami opportunity sang SEA nga maka-attend sini nga orientation. At least my idea na kami kun ano amon negosyohon.” (“It’s very good that SEA gave us the opportunity to attend this orientation. At least now we have an idea of what kind of business we can start.”)

• Rowena concluded, “Nami gid nga bago kami mag-start business, nasang-an kami sa mga dapat namon himuon.” (“It’s really great that before we start a business, we were guided on what we need to do.”)

Threefolding and Good Governance in Action

This orientation wasn’t just a standalone event—it exemplified good governance and SEA Inc.’s unwavering commitment to the IPAT-SIAD framework. By integrating civil society (CWA), government (Barangay and DTI), and businesses (potential market partnerships), this program showcased how threefolding partnerships create sustainable ecosystems.

The Calumbuyan Marketing Orientation is a testament to how holistic governance, community empowerment, and strategic collaboration can transform local initiatives into thriving economic opportunities. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about building a brighter future for everyone involved.

Let this serve as a rallying cry for all communities—dream big, act boldly, and always believe in the power of collective action.