Antique: The Department of Trade and Industry - Negosyo Center (DTI-NC) Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) graduates from Antique have successfully launched a credit cooperative, projecting promising prospects for 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, Engineer Edwin Eraga, a KMME graduate and the chairperson of the newly formed Kami Antique Credit Cooperative, disclosed that the coop became operational in October 2025. It is designed to extend loans to its members, supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors. Eraga highlighted that the KMME graduates in Antique are pioneers in Western Visayas, utilizing the expertise gained from DTI-NC's mentoring sessions to establish the cooperative.

The cooperative offers financial assistance through loans, which are intended as startup or additional capital for KMME members. Eraga noted that they have already provided loans at an interest rate of 7 percent per annum to four KMME graduates, one of whom has embarked on a new family business venture.

Currently, Antique boasts 100 KMME graduates, with 43 already joining the cooperative. Eraga emphasized that there is growing interest among others to become members. The cooperative also opens its doors to other micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and their employees who have yet to participate in KMME mentoring sessions.

In line with their corporate social responsibility, the cooperative plans to conduct mentoring sessions for MSMEs that have not attended KMME sessions. These sessions will cover essential topics such as financial management, entrepreneurial accounting, and marketing.