San Pedro City — The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna), in partnership with the 1st Congressional District Office of Laguna, successfully conducted the second batch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP): You Can Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) from November 20 to 22, 2024, at the Our Lady of Assumption College San Pedro Campus. The three-day event saw the participation of 17 young, driven entrepreneurs from San Pedro, eager to bring their business ideas to life.

Under the leadership of DTI-Laguna Provincial Director Christian Ted O. Tungohan, the program built on the success of its first batch earlier this year, continuing to empower youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to launch their business ventures. This initiative is a key part of DTI’s commitment to providing the youth with the tools they need to succeed, contributing to the growth and development of the region.

Hands-On Learning and Business Skills Development

Over the course of two engaging days (November 20 and 21), the participants were immersed in 18 comprehensive modules led by experts, including Trade-Industry Development Analyst for the Negosyo Center Program Ms. Portia Sophia M. Cortezano and DTI-Laguna’s Business Counsellors Ms. Avegail D. Agojo, Ms. Andrea Mae I. Macuha, Ms. Rica Mae E. Garcia, Ms. Rica Mae G. Ceria, Mr. Kent Arvin Cainto, and Mr. Kim Carlo Palacio. The workshops covered a wide range of topics designed to build essential entrepreneurial skills, including business vision and goals, market research, customer targeting, business operations, and financial management.

The interactive sessions, featuring role-playing exercises and real-life scenarios, provided a dynamic learning environment that encouraged active participation and teamwork. The young entrepreneurs were guided step by step through the process of conceptualizing, planning, and refining their business models.

Business Model Presentations: Turning Ideas into Reality

The event culminated on November 22, 2024, with a Business Improvement Plan presentation, where each participant presented their Business Model Canvas. This session gave the young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their business ideas while receiving valuable feedback and insights on how to improve and implement their proposals effectively.

DTI-Laguna’s approach ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical, actionable business plans that will help them move forward with their ventures. The guidance and mentorship provided during the program are instrumental in helping them refine their strategies and create sustainable businesses.

Innovating with Tradition: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping San Pedro’s Future

Many of the business ideas presented reflected a creative blend of tradition and innovation, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and concepts. Several entrepreneurs introduced products featuring Sampaguita, San Pedro’s iconic flower, as a key ingredient or flavor, creatively honoring the city’s heritage as the Sampaguita Capital of Laguna. From perfumes and scented products to food items, these young entrepreneurs are using their creativity to blend the timeless beauty of tradition with modern trends, offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to business.

One standout business proposal came from a participant offering a unique fusion of Japanese cuisine and Filipino flavors. This innovative approach reimagines popular Japanese dishes by incorporating traditional Filipino viands, offering a new and exciting culinary experience that appeals to both Japanese food lovers and Filipino food enthusiasts alike. This fusion of cultures represents the entrepreneurial spirit of San Pedro’s youth — blending the old and new to create something fresh and unique.

In addition to Sampaguita-infused offerings, the entrepreneurs are developing a wide array of products, including food items, clothing, and digital services. With a focus on both innovation and sustainability, the program participants are eager to create a new wave of businesses that combine old and modern styles, meeting the needs of today’s consumers while promoting local culture and craftsmanship.

Collaboration for Growth

This initiative is made possible through a strong partnership between DTI-Laguna and the 1st Congressional District Office of Laguna, with the support of Congresswoman Ann Matibag. Her Asenso Mobile Business (AMB) program has played a vital role in supporting young entrepreneurs, offering resources and encouraging innovation for aspiring business owners in San Pedro.

The AMB program complements DTI-Laguna’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship by providing the youth with access to essential tools and financial support, which is provided through Congresswoman Ann Matibag’s program to kick-start their ventures.

Empowering San Pedro’s Future Entrepreneurs

With this second batch of the YEP: BYOB program, DTI-Laguna continues to inspire and empower San Pedro’s youth to take charge of their futures and contribute to the growth of the local economy. Through training, mentorship, and financial support from Congresswoman Ann Matibag’s AMB program, DTI-Laguna is paving the way for the next generation of business leaders, encouraging them to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to success.

As DTI-Laguna remains dedicated to the development of young entrepreneurs, this program serves as a testament to the agency’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that will drive economic growth and create opportunities for the youth in San Pedro and beyond (ADAgojo, DTI Laguna). ♦

Date of release: 16 December 2024

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