TWO iKalinga entrepreneurs among Best Pitch Awardees in BPI Foundation’s SEAL Project Series

Rizal, Kalinga – Two young entrepreneurs from Kalinga were recognized among the Best Pitch Awardees in the recently concluded Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) Project Series held from March 10 to 13, highlighting the growing strength and potential of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.

The SEAL Project Series is a nationwide initiative led by the BPI Foundation to support MSMEs across the Philippines. It is conducted in multiple runs, tracks, and locations, sometimes covering several provinces or regions at once.

Training and pitching activities, such as the March 10–13 series, are typically conducted online or in grouped batches, allowing participants from different areas to join a single event. The program aims to strengthen participants’ products, operations, and marketing strategies toward achieving measurable business growth.

The online event drew a total of 125 enrollees, of whom 87 advanced to the business pitch, including Deane Bartolome-Jallorina and Cindy Balingtan, owners of Krafts by A&D and Kawes d yKalinga, respectively.

According to the DTI–Kalinga, the two entrepreneurs placed within the Top 11–20 and were the only participants from the province to be recognized. Each received a certificate and a cash prize amounting to ₱15,000.

The Entrepreneurs

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Jallorina, 25, from Rizal, shared that she underwent a qualification process along with other MSMEs nationwide for the training and a three-minute pitch after being invited by DTI–Kalinga.

Jallorina said that despite challenges during the SEAL Project, including a power outage in Rizal, she secured a spot among the awardees and qualified for the next stage of mentoring.

“I was tapped by DTI–Kalinga to be part of the program since they are targeting newly established businesses. My products may not be unique per se, but the quality and customer service are. We only had three minutes to present our pitch and convince the panel to choose our business. Despite the challenges, I was fortunate to win one of the awards and qualify for the next stage of mentoring,” she said.

The 25-year-old entrepreneur founded Krafts by A&D Gift Shop and School Supplies in October 2023, initially focusing on customized stationery. The business later expanded to include personalized invitations, activity books, handmade flowers, and engraved products, among others.

At present, Jallorina is focused on improving and strengthening her business, particularly its presence on social media, where most of her clients are based.

“I’m only 25, so I still have many things to learn. However, what I can say is that being an entrepreneur is not for everyone—it can be draining at times. Before choosing this path, make sure you are not doing it solely for money, but to solve a problem. For now, we are focusing on improving our systems and ensuring the highest quality of our products. Our short-term goals include hiring and training new employees, attending more trainings for financial growth, and strengthening our social media presence, especially on Facebook, where most of our online clients come from,” she added.

Meanwhile, Kawes d yKalinga, owned by Balingtan, is a Tabuk-based shop that sells bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other handicrafts made from traditional Kalinga woven textiles and beads.

Both awardees are seen as symbols of Kalinga’s growing entrepreneurial spirit, and their recognition highlights the potential of local MSMEs to compete at the national level.