Manila, Philippines – Jojie’s Bakeshop of Bohol has been named the Island Group Winner for Visayas and a Top 3 Finalist for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSME in the Medium Enterprise Category.

The awards ceremony was held on July 10, 2024, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace in Manila.

DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual lauded the vital role of MSMEs in the Philippine economy, referring to them as the country’s lifeblood.

With over 1.1 million business establishments, he emphasized their role in driving innovation, generating employment, and fostering nationwide economic growth.

This award, led by the DTI MSME Development Group, recognizes businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth, competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability.

This year’s winners were selected from two categories: “Small Enterprise” and “Medium Enterprise”. A rigorous evaluation process, conducted from April to June, saw 96 nominees undergo regional and national evaluations based on their market breakthroughs, human resource development, and community impact.

The distinguished finalists for the Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs were Island Group Winners, representing diverse regions across the country: (1) Northern Luzon: HeySuccess Virtual Assistance Services; (2) Southern Luzon: AiShe Footwear and Tropical Palm Herb Manufacturing; (3) Visayas: Jojie’s Bakeshop and Kawayan Collective Agricultural Cooperative; and (4) Mindanao: Nelly Coffee and Tablea and Malagos Agri-Ventures Corporation.

Additional awards were given to institutions with remarkable programs and services aimed at supporting MSMEs, dubbed the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners.

Usec. Roque of the DTI MSME Development Group honored the relentless spirit and innovation of Filipino MSMEs, considering them the true backbone of the nation’s economic progress. The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

Jojie’s Bakeshop was recognized as Outstanding Medium Enterprise for the Visayas Island Group in the regional qualification.

Mr. Labunog and Jojie’s Bakeshop have been beneficiaries of various development assistance programs from the Department of Trade and Industry in Bohol at different stages of their business.