The Mindoro State University (MinSU) is stepping up its role in local economic development by officially partnering with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Oriental Mindoro. This collaboration was the centerpiece of the BAGWIS Awards 2025, an event held at the MinSU AVR on October 22, 2025, to recognize compliant and consumer-friendly business establishments.
In celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, the awards honored businesses that demonstrated excellence and upheld consumer rights. Twenty establishments were recognized for their continuous compliance, five were hailed as new awardees, and three successfully upgraded their status. These businesses were also recognized for their prompt accreditation renewal and their active support as partners in DTI's consumer welfare programs like the Diskwento Caravan.
The biggest difference in this year's BAGWIS Awards was the integration of capacity-building sessions, a move made possible through the new partnership with MinSU. Provincial Director Arnel E. Hutalla, CESO V, emphasized that DTI is now positioning itself as a developmental partner, not just a regulator.
The partnership was formalized with a Ceremonial MOA Signing between the two institutions. Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University highlighted the importance of the academe, government, and business sector working together to protect consumers. She expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that it provides meaningful opportunities to capacitate business establishments and strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development. Dr. Apostol affirmed MinSU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower both entrepreneurs and consumers.
Dr. Franie M. Afable, Campus Executive Director of MinSU-Calapan, welcomed the business owners, stressing that hosting the event allowed the university to connect with and contribute directly to the local business community's growth through vital capacity-building programs.
Going beyond recognition, MinSU co-hosted sessions focused on key topics essential for modern business growth: Business Innovation and Digitalization and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - a new requirement for the higher-level Silver and Gold BAGWIS Awards.
Experts from the academe and private sector led the sessions. Dr. John Edgar S. Anthony discussed Business Innovation, while Dr. Christian Anthony C. Agutaya and private sector representatives from McDonald’s Philippines and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan spoke on CSR, sustainability, and environmental advocacy.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Fely Joy C. Dinglasan, Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist, thanked all participants. She stressed that compliance benefits the businesses themselves by building their reputation and earning consumer trust. She concluded that with strong partners like MinSU, the BAGWIS Award Program will become even more impactful, creating lasting benefits for the local business community and consumers alike.
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