Bridging the Digital Gap: My Talk on Module 5 for Camiguin’s KMME Mentees

 I’ve sat through countless training sessions. And I’ve walked away from too many wondering, “Was any of that truly useful?” So when I stepped up to talk to the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) mentees of Camiguin on Module 5: Digitalization, I made myself a promise. This wouldn’t be just another lecture about buzzwords. This would be a toolkit they could actually use.

The session was held as part of DTI’s flagship mentorship program, developed in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo. Since its launch in 2016, KMME has helped thousands of micro and small enterprises across the country upscale through improved access to mentorship, money, and market. For Batch 2025, 15 entrepreneurs from Camiguin—alongside mentees from Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental—were officially inducted into the program, marking a significant step for the island province’s business community.

Module 5 is, in my opinion, where the rubber meets the road. It's no secret that digitalization isn't optional anymore—it's survival. As DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Jesusa Abear aptly put it during a recent forum, "The way of doing things is evolving, especially in business, especially now with digitalization." That single sentence captures why I poured my energy into this talk.

I wanted these mentees to walk away with more than just notes. I wanted them to walk away with clarity: What does digital transformation actually look like for a small enterprise in Camiguin? Where do you start when resources are tight? How do you choose the right tools without getting overwhelmed?

We talked about practical, doable steps. We explored real-world examples of MSMEs that successfully pivoted to digital platforms—some right there in Region 10. We discussed how digitalization isn't about expensive software, but about smart, incremental changes that build momentum.

But more than the technical side, I focused on the mindset shift. Digitalization can feel intimidating, especially for entrepreneurs who’ve built their businesses the traditional way. My message was simple: you don’t have to be a tech wizard. You just have to be willing to learn, adapt, and take that first step.

Standing there in front of those eager faces, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. These weren't just participants. These were dreamers, builders, and job creators. And if my talk helped even one of them see digitalization as an opportunity rather than a hurdle, then it was time well spent.

Here’s to the 15 mentees of Camiguin, and to every MSME brave enough to embrace the digital shift. The road ahead is digital—and I'm proud to walk it with you.