Twenty-three (23) micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Central Luzon gained valuable insights into branding, product development, and K-Beauty manufacturing during the Make Your Brand Project Bootcamp conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3) in partnership with REHACOS, Inc. on July 25 at the DTI Regional Office 3 in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The bootcamp forms part of DTI-3’s continuing efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of Central Luzon MSMEs by connecting them with industry experts and manufacturers while providing practical knowledge on product innovation, branding, marketing strategies, and regulatory compliance.
“Building a successful brand goes beyond having a quality product. It requires a clear identity, compliance with industry standards, and the ability to respond to evolving market demands. Through partnerships such as this, DTI empowers our MSMEs to transform innovative ideas into market-ready products that can compete both locally and internationally,” DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon said.
The activity brought together 23 MSME representatives from five provinces in Central Luzon, along with nine representatives from the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, reflecting the growing interest among entrepreneurs in the expanding cosmetics, skincare, and wellness industry.
Serving as resource persons were Mr. Jean Michael Baluyut, Chief Executive Officer of REHACOS, Inc., and Mr. Jong Soo Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Indicellbio, Inc. Mr. Baluyut shared REHACOS’ business journey, manufacturing capabilities, quality management systems, FDA compliance requirements, premium product ingredients, and opportunities for manufacturing partnerships. A live demonstration of K-Beauty products further showcased the company’s product quality and manufacturing expertise.
“Our goal is to help entrepreneurs bring their brand ideas to life by providing access to world class manufacturing, quality systems, and product development support. Whether MSMEs are just starting or looking to expand, we want to become their trusted partner in building competitive Filipino brands,” Baluyut said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lee shared his entrepreneurial journey in establishing the Reha and Nanna skincare and haircare brands, emphasizing the importance of innovation, resilience, and a growth mindset in building a successful cosmetics business. He also highlighted how opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic paved the way for the expansion of his business from Korea to the Philippines.
A highlight of the bootcamp was the interactive question and answer session, where participants explored REHACOS’ three business partnership models: Affiliate Reseller, Brand Builder, and Custom Product Development. The discussions enabled MSMEs to better understand investment requirements, manufacturing processes, branding considerations, and market opportunities under each model.
For MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to venture into the beauty, cosmetics, and wellness industry, DTI-3 continues to provide access to learning opportunities, industry linkages, and business development support that can help transform product ideas into market-ready brands.
Through initiatives such as the Make Your Brand Project Bootcamp, DTI-3 aims to foster innovation, strengthen enterprise competitiveness, and create greater opportunities for Central Luzon businesses to thrive in both local and global markets.
