Pitogo (center) receives her Kabuhayan Award, while Devin Go, (4th from right, member, KNN Board of Trustees) receives the award for KNN in behalf of its president, Carmen Piramide.

K’Hanz Cakes and Pastries, owned by Jessieryl Pitogo of Barangay Calawisan, Lapu-Lapu City, bested other finalists and was named national winner in the recently concluded Kabuhayan Awards 2018: Search for Best Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Assisted Livelihood Projects, Individual Category.

Pitogo initially received in 2011 financial assistance worth PHP10,000 from the DOLE through the USC Kapamilya Negosyo Na (USC KNN, Inc.). As a regional winner, Pitogo received PHP30,000 and another PHP50,000 when she was named national winner.

USC KNN is the longest running, multi-awarded Community Extension flagship program of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) and is now on its 13th year of assisting micro and small enterprises develop their businesses. USC KNN is also an accredited co-partner of the DOLE in the implementation of its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

The DOLE Kabuhayan annual awards aim to recognize the relentless efforts and perseverance of beneficiaries in successfully managing and sustaining their livelihood undertakings.

by Dr. Melanie B. de Ocampo, SBE Assistant Dean

Tags: Business and Economics, Entrepreneurship