Over 250 young entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs from all over Central Visayas filled the ballroom of the Cebu International Parklane Hotel to listen, learn, and be inspired by a panel of experienced entrepreneurs during the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Cebu Roadshow organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last November 27.
YEP is a nationwide program to help young Filipinos develop their entrepreneurial skills by offering them a comprehensive package of interventions.
Trade Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona explained that YEP’s fresh approach to entrepreneurship is critical because it will equip today’s youth with the skills to create their own jobs – and, as they succeed, to create jobs for others too.
“Through the YEP, harnessing the energy and innovation of youth, there is an opportunity to lift quantity and quality of jobs and to generate inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said Usec. Lantayona.
Running on the tagline “Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth!” (HOORAY!), the YEP Cebu Roadshow reached out to successful influencers and creatives such as Gil Zaire “Butch” Carungay, Design Advocate and Chief Creative Officer of Zai Design Hive, to discuss on how Cebu City can move forward after its UNESCO designation as Creative City of Design.
Another young influencer Kimberly Therese Gothong, Founder of Mrs Clean talked on her “Start-up Journey” to inspire young would-be entrepreneurs.
Other start-ups who came to discuss their business journey were Co-founder and CEO of “Hoy”, Seph Mayol, Co-founder and CEO of Symph Dave Overton, Founder of Henyo Global Innovations Inc. April Mae Ong Vano, Founder of Yoveo Digital Lorna Bondoc.
Break-out sessions such as the MSME Track, Start-up Track and Self-improvement for Your Mindsets Workshop challenged young minds and kept their interest up.
YEP supports the government’s growth agenda of doubling the number of entrepreneurs in the country by 2022 which will in turn, broaden the gains of economic development, address inequality, and uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, particularly the youth.
With the end goal of improving national development, YEP components encourage upbeat actions towards strengthening economic independence among individuals and communities.
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