CENTRAL VISAYAS — DTI Region 7 Central Visayas officially launched the third batch of its Digital Services Entrepreneurs Advancement Mentorship (DREAM) program in a virtual ceremony held via Zoom on Friday, June 20, 2025.

The program welcomed 14 new mentees from across the region: 3 from Bohol, 7 from Cebu, 3 from Negros Oriental, and 1 from Siquijor. This six-week bootcamp is designed to equip creative professionals and freelancers with entrepreneurial skills, digital tools, and mentorship to thrive in the digital economy.

The DREAM Program was launched in 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically affected freelancers and microentrepreneurs in the digital space. Originally aimed at digital service providers, the program pivoted in 2024 to focus on the creative sector, empowering artists, designers, writers, musicians, animators, and other freelancers.

To date, the program has produced 19 graduates, many of whom have reported significant improvements in their business performance. Among them is Fidel Ricafranca of This Modern Lab, who achieved a 30% increase in sales and a 20% cost reduction after completing the program.

Running from June 20 to July 31, the new batch of the DREAM Program will immerse participants in sessions on entrepreneurial mindset, legal and financial management, branding and positioning, client relations, and market expansion.

According to DTI 7, the mentorship and peer learning components are tailored to the unique needs of creatives navigating today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of DTI Region 7, The Company Cebu, and Dual Story, with continued support from local creative leaders and industry mentors.

As DTI 7 continues to implement programs aligned with the Tatak Pinoy Act and its regional innovation efforts, DREAM stands as a beacon for how creativity, community, and commerce can power inclusive growth. (DTI 7/PR) ♦

Date of Release: 24 June 2025