University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries, Research and extension institute in Quezon City, Philippines.
The University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries is a government-backed research and training center on the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City. It operates from E. Virata Hall, a four-story building that houses classrooms and offices where courses on business management, accounting, and digital marketing are delivered.
The institute was founded in 1966 through a joint effort between the Philippine and Dutch governments, making it one of the earliest dedicated small enterprise support centers in Southeast Asia. Over the decades, its focus shifted from craft-based training toward a broader range of business skills to meet changing economic needs.
The building is named after Eugenio Virata, a former Philippine Secretary of Finance, which reflects how closely the institute ties business training to national economic thinking. Visitors can often see small groups of entrepreneurs reviewing printed materials or discussing their projects in the common areas between sessions.
The institute sits inside the UP Diliman campus, which is accessible by jeepney, tricycle, and other local transport from several points around Quezon City. Weekdays are the most active periods, when training sessions and consultations are regularly held throughout the building.
The institute produces a series of free downloadable guides called Smart Business Guides, covering topics from cash flow management to setting up an online store. These materials are distributed beyond the campus and reach business owners across the country who never attend a single in-person session.
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