YOUTHS from all over Mindanao were encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Thursday, June 27, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.
During the YEP Mindanao Roadshow, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said aspiring and existing young entrepreneurs today have all the advantages to make their business work given the advancement of technology.
“For many young entrepreneurs today, the digital age is really a great opportunity. The advantage of the young ones is that you are all digital natives, you can do so much with technology in your business,” he said.
“There are so many amazing inspirational stories. You just have to read out on those young entrepreneurs who really made it,” he said.
Lopez said the 8.6 percent gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of Davao Region is an indication of many employment and business opportunities for the youth in Davao.
YEP is a collaborative program of the DTI, Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association, MSME Development Council, and other stakeholders which aims to address the younger demographic of the country to become productive individuals through entrepreneurship.
To further strengthen the promotion of entrepreneurship and financial education among youth, Entrepreneurship Education Committee (EEC) signed their pledge of support and Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Youth Entrepreneurship Act or Republic Act 10679.
The ceremonial signing happened yesterday during the launch of the program.
ECC is composed of the Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones represented by director Jocelyn Andaya, DTI secretary Lopez, Commission on Higher Education chairperson Prospero De Vera III represented by education supervisor III Cesar Adegue IV, Technical Education and Skills Authority director general Isidro Lapeña represented by regional director Lorenzo Macapil, and National Youth Commission commissioner-at-large James Ceasar Ventura. (LHC)