ARISE Inc.

10/05/2026

ARISE Inc. Participates in Negosyo Advocates Gathering of MSMEs and Call for “Sulong Lokal”

ARISE Inc. participated in a gathering of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) advocating for the development and promotion of local products and enterprises, organized by Negosyo Advocates through its “Sulong Lokal” campaign.

The gathering underscored a collective call and shared commitment to strengthen local enterprises, support Filipino products and industries, and advance sustainable and community-driven economic development. These advocacies strongly align with the core pillars of ARISE Inc. in promoting sustainable enterprise development and community-based economic empowerment.

The activity brought together various micro and small enterprises engaged in bookstores, indie book publishing, t-shirt printing, food and restaurant services, groceries, renewable energy, and other local industries. The event was likewise attended by partner organizations and networks allied with Negosyo Advocates, including Maginhawa Food Community (MFC), National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA), K5 Cooperative and different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The gathering was hosted by Coco Bistro in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

07/05/2026

ARISE Incorporated Provides Technical Assistance to Balao-Lutic Cooperative

ARISE Inc. provided technical assistance in the drafting of the resolution and supported advocacy efforts for the establishment and allocation of funds for post-harvest facilities in Abra de Ilog.

Recently, the Provincial Government implemented an ordinance enforcing existing laws that prohibit the drying of palay and other agricultural produce along highways. While the farmers and members of Balao-Lutic Cooperative recognize and appreciate the safety risks that such practices pose to motorists and the general public, the policy has presented significant challenges—particularly due to the lack of available post-harvest facilities such as mechanical dryers, especially during the peak harvest season.

In response, the Balao-Lutic Cooperative, led by ARISE Inc. Board of Trustees Member Nori Cortuna, initiated the drafting of a resolution to be presented at the Barangay Assembly and endorsed to both the Municipal and Provincial Governments. The resolution aims to propose concrete measures to address the lack of post-harvest facilities and support the needs of local farmers.

The resolution is entitled:
“A RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF ABRA DE ILOG, THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, AND CONCERNED NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES—INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT—TO ESTABLISH A PALAY AND CORN DRYER AND OTHER POST-HARVEST FACILITIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ABRA DE ILOG, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO.”

This initiative reflects a strong collaboration between civil society and farmers’ organizations to promote safe, sustainable, and productive agricultural practices in the community. It also underscores local and national policy advocacy as a core pillar of ARISE Inc.’s work, reinforcing its commitment to advancing responsive and inclusive development solutions.

Photo: NC

05/05/2026

ARISE Inc. Meets with Dumaguete Creative Industry Leaders

ARISE Inc.’s Executive Director held a discussion with painter and visual artist Ms. Sharon Rose Dadang Rafols of Studio 7, ARTS + DESIGN Collective in Dumaguete City.

The conversation focused on the current state of the creative industry in both the city and the Philippines, as well as the need to establish and strengthen a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable creative sector nationwide. The discussion underscored the importance of creating an environment where artists and crafters-entrepreneurs can thrive while contributing to local economic and cultural development. Opportunities for future collaboration, strategic linkages, and learning exchanges were also explored as part of a shared commitment to advancing the creative and crafting industry.

Ms. Rafols also gave ARISE Inc. a tour of the Artists, Crafters and MSME Hub, introducing the organization to some of its resident artists, writers, crafters, and micro and small business owners who collectively manage the space.

ARISE Inc. believes that through sustainable creative industry development, enterprise support and technology transfer, market integration, green financing, continuous capacity-building and creative development, and advocacy for enabling policies and good governance, a truly community-based creative industry can flourish and make a meaningful contribution to the long-term sustainable development of both the sector and the communities it serves.

18/04/2026

Learning Visit to the MSME Hub at the ARTS + DESIGN Collective in Dumaguete

ARISE Inc.’s Executive Director visited the MSME Hub at the ARTS + DESIGN Collective in Dumaguete City to learn more about its community-driven model for supporting local enterprises and crafters-entrepreneurs.

The MSME Hub houses a range of small businesses, including a restaurant, an arts and crafts supply store, a fermentation shop, a café, a gift shop, a bookstore, and a retail outlet for local and heritage products. Among the products featured are traditional items such as tultul and tibuok salt, organic and plant-based soaps, artisanal vinegars, scented oils, sanitizers, and locally made crafts, and many more.

The hub demonstrates the value of creating an enabling environment where agricultural producers, MSMEs, and crafters-entrepreneurs can thrive while contributing to local economic growth and cultural and heritage food and products preservation. It is also collectively managed by a community of artists, writers, crafters, and entrepreneurs who share responsibility for the development and sustainability of the space.

ARISE Inc. believes that through sustainable enterprise development, enterprise support, capacity building and technology transfer, market integration, green financing, sustainable resource management, and advocacy for enabling policies and good governance, community-based MSMEs can flourish and make a meaningful contribution to the long-term development of both the sector and the communities they serve.

16/04/2026

ARISE Inc. Establishes Chapter in Jalajala, Rizal

ARISE Inc. formally launched its new chapter in Jalajala, Rizal, with the organization’s Executive Director conducting an orientation for the interim Executive Committee members.

The activity was followed by a Sustainable Enterprise Development Workshop, where participants identified several potential community-based business models anchored on the municipality’s abundant local resources. Among the opportunities discussed were the production of ube-based products, banana-based products, and Imelda fish–based products, among others.

The workshop opened with a discussion on the key challenges confronting Jalajala’s agricultural, fisheries, and local MSME sectors, followed by collaborative sessions that explored strategies to address these through sustainable livelihood development, enterprise support and technology transfer, market integration, green financing, sustainable resource management, and advocacy for enabling policies and good governance.

The newly formed Executive Committee actively participated throughout the workshop, reflecting a strong commitment to building resilient, community-driven enterprises that can contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the municipality.

16/02/2026

A Fun and Productive Post-Valentine Leather Crafting Workshop

The Advancing Rural Innovation and Sustainable Enterprises ARISE Inc., together with Negosyo Advocates, conducted a leather crafting workshop during the Tali Pop-Up Weekends Producers and Farmers Market at Pop-Up Katipunan.

The ARISE booth was transformed into a mobile leather-crafting workstation, creating an engaging and hands-on space for crafters, hobbyists, and aspiring entrepreneurs to spend a productive Sunday. Participants crafted travel notebooks, coin purses, small belt pouches, and cellphone cases. Leather swatches and smaller pieces were creatively repurposed into cable organizers and keychains, demonstrating practical upcycling techniques.

Curious weekend market-goers and fellow entrepreneurs also stopped by to observe and learn from the workshop, fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial atmosphere within the market community.

ARISE is a collective initiative of farmers, cooperatives, and local MSMEs committed to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in communities across the Philippines. It empowers grassroots enterprises by strengthening capacities, supporting value-adding production, and promoting inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable economic growth.

12/02/2026

📌J O I N U S !!

BALAT: A Leather Workshop on Feb. 15, 2026 (Sunday) from 9:00 - 12:00nn at The TaliPop-Up Katipunan.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking for a creative Sunday activity post-Valentine treat, ARISE Inc. teach you how to make your own:
🧵 Coin purse
📒 Travel notebook
🔑 Key chain / Bag tag
🔌 Cable organizer & more!

Workshop Fee: ₱500
Includes leather, needles, snap buttons, rivets, and thread

📩 DM us or contact 09451080908 to reserve your slot or just go straight to the venue at 9:00am

See you there, crafters!

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

ARISE Inc. X Negosyo Advocates @ TALI POP UP Katipunan

The Advancing Rural Innovation and Sustainable Enterprises (ARISE) initiative joined Negosyo Advocates during the second week of the Tali Pop-Up Weekends Producers and Farmers Market at Pop-Up Katipunan. The activity forms part of ARISE Inc.’s continuing engagement with local MSMEs, cooperatives, farmers, and concerned government agencies to promote locally rooted, value-adding enterprises.

The ARISE booth, designed as a mobile workstation, showcased products of local leather artisans, along with leathercraft materials and tools used in the production process. Beyond product display, the booth served as a space for dialogue and learning, allowing visitors to better understand the craft, the value chain, and the enterprise potential of the Philippine leather industry.

The booth attracted interest and discussions with a diverse group of weekend market-goers, including former DSWD Secretary and women’s rights advocate Judy Taguiwalo, representatives from TESDA, and members of the local media. Through these engagements, ARISE shared its advocacy for stronger support to local farmers and rural enterprises, the establishment of locally owned manufacturing, and the development of domestic industries that generate jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable national development.

ARISE is a collective initiative of farmers, cooperatives, and local MSMEs committed to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in rural communities across the Philippines. It seeks to empower grassroots enterprises by strengthening capacities, supporting value-adding production, and promoting inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable economic growth.

Additional Photos: Negosyo Advocates and TALI POP UP Katipunan

07/02/2026