DTI and FPRMFI
Empower Maddela Families with Livelihood Training
By: Sheenalaine A. Immayaho
Poblacion Norte, Maddela, Quirino — On May 26, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Florentino Pascual Ruiz Memorial Foundation, Inc. (FPRMFI) partnered to empower Maddela families through a livelihood training program.
The event, held at 8:30 AM, aimed to foster financial independence and personal growth among FPRMFI scholars and their guardians.
Mr. Harlem Ruiz opened the program at 10:00 AM, highlighting the DTI’s commitment to supporting small businesses, particularly in rural communities. He emphasized the agency’s mission of providing training and resources to help individuals build successful enterprises.
A key component was a skills assessment led by Mr. Dave J. Basug, Junior Business Counselor of DTI Maddela, assisted by Mr. Oliver Galangi (DTI Cabarroguis) and Ms. Jessica G. Cruz (DTI Aglipay). Participants completed a self-rating questionnaire to gauge their entrepreneurial readiness and identify areas for improvement.
Ms. Melanie Liwag, an FPRMFI Alumna and now a Licensed Professional Teacher at Maddela Integrated School of Arts and Trades (MISAT), shared her inspiring journey. Ms. Liwag described how selling trendy items as a student helped support her family, paving the way for her current success as an educator. Her story underscored the transformative power of initiative and perseverance.
Concluding remarks from Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Basug. “Success is unlikely if you don’t try,” Mr. Basug emphasize,) reiterated the importance of pro-active self-improvement.
This collaborative effort between the DTI and FPRMFI provided valuable skills and insights to Maddela families, empowering them to build brighter futures and contributing to sustainable economic development in the region.
The day concluded with the FPRMFI’s monthly scholar meeting, led by Administrator Mr. Reynor Raymundo and Mr. Ruiz. This session covered scholarship requirements and fostered community among the scholars.
Sheenalaine A. Immayaho
About the Author:
Graduate of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from Nueva Vizcaya State University, Class of 2025. Completed her undergraduate degree on July 1, 2025, carrying with her the knowledge, skills, and values essential for the teaching profession. During her first and second year, she served as a Representative, where she learned the true meaning of responsibility, teamwork, and service.