I got an invitation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to join the SEAL-SEGA program in Guimaras. I said yes right away.
I went there with Nerissa, and we represented TourSystem as participants. I did not know exactly what to expect. But after sitting in that room and listening to the speakers, I felt motivated than ever to keep building TourSystem.
What Is SEAL-SEGA?
SEAL-SEGA means Small Enterprise Growth Agenda. It is a training and mentorship program for small businesses that are new, usually one to two years old. It is organized by the Philippine Trade Training Center and BPI Foundation, together with DTI Region 6 and the Province of Guimaras.
The program is not just one seminar. It runs from March 24 to 27, 2026. On the third day, participants will do a Business Pitch, join a Mini Trade Fair, and on the last day we will have a Graduation Ceremony. The top 20 presenters in the pitch will win cash prizes and can apply for a small business loan through BPI BankO.
The event was held at The Pitstop Innova Hotel and Resorts in Jordan, Guimaras.
“Fisherfolks, farmers, and producers should be more creative and focus on value-adding their products.”
Mr. Francis Gentoral, Provincial Economic Development Officer
When I heard that, I thought about every small business owner in Guimaras who works hard every single day but still cannot reach more customers. They have great products. They have great services. They just need a way to be found.
The Problem That TourSystem Is Solving
A lot of small businesses in Guimaras right now only have a Facebook page. And a Facebook page is a good start. But it is not enough.
Think about this. What happens when a tourist searches online for a resort in Guimaras? What happens when a customer looks for local products to buy? If your business only has a Facebook page, you might not even show up. And even if they find you, there is no easy way to book, no easy way to order, and no professional look that builds trust.
That is the gap that TourSystem fills.
TourSystem builds real websites for local businesses in Guimaras. Not just tourism businesses. We also build websites for product-based businesses like local food producers, craft sellers, souvenir shops, and more. Imagine having your own website where customers can browse your products and place an order any time of the day, even at midnight, even when you are asleep. That is what a website can do for you that a Facebook page cannot.
We take care of everything. The setup, the design, the launch. The business owner does not need to know anything about websites or computers. We handle it so they can focus on running their business.
Your own website means:
- Customers can find you on Google
- You can sell your products online 24/7
- You look more professional and trustworthy
- You are not just dependent on Facebook
Why SEAL-SEGA Felt So Connected to TourSystem
Ms. Claire Mari Torralba, the Executive Director of PTTC-GMEA, said the program wants to give Guimarasnon small businesses the tools they need for marketing and digital transformation. That is the same goal that TourSystem has. We want every small business in Guimaras to have a strong online presence, even if they have a small budget and no technical background.
Ms. Joy Reniva from BPI Foundation talked about “Kasama sa Pag-unlad”, which means progress for everyone. I really liked that. Because TourSystem is not only for big businesses. It is for every small resort, every family-run food business, and every local seller who deserves a fair chance to grow beyond their barangay, beyond their island, and beyond what Facebook alone can offer.
What I Learned From Day 1
Being inside that room felt important. It was not just about meeting people or getting exposure for TourSystem. It was about seeing, up close, how many small businesses in Guimaras are ready to grow. They just need the right support.
Guimaras does not have a quality problem. The island is beautiful. The people are hardworking. The products are great. The problem is that most of these businesses are still invisible online. And that is a problem that TourSystem can help fix.
Is Your Business Ready to Go Online?
If you run a resort, a tour service, a food business, a craft shop, or any small business in Guimaras and you still do not have a real website, I would love to talk to you.
You deserve more than just a Facebook page. You deserve a website that works for you every day, every hour, even when you are not online.