Graduates of the YEP-BYOB 2025 program in Laguna pose for a group photo during the Business Improvement Plan Pitching and Graduation Ceremony held at the YDA Conference Room in Santa Cruz, Laguna.

Santa Cruz, Laguna — On June 25, 2025, the second batch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) – “You Can Be Your Own Boss” (BYOB) 2025 was successfully concluded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna Provincial Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Laguna through its Youth Development Affairs (YDA) Office. The program culminated in a Business Improvement Plan (BIP) Pitching and Graduation Ceremony held at the YDA Conference Room in Santa Cruz, Laguna.

Held over three days (June 20, 21, and 25), the program aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset and enhance the business skills of 25 young aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 years. Participants underwent intensive training, received expert mentorship, and were given the opportunity to pitch their refined business ideas.

The program opened on June 20 with a welcome message from Ms. Fatima Eleonor Villaseñor, Head of the YDA Office, followed by a keynote address from DTI-Laguna Provincial Director Christian Ted O. Tungohan. In his speech, Director Tungohan underscored the transformative role of the youth in inclusive economic growth, calling them a “demographic sweet spot,” as they make up 35% of the population. He highlighted enabling policies like the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Go Negosyo Act, and the Philippine Youth Development Plan—frameworks designed to support the growth of young entrepreneurs nationwide.

Participants then proceeded with Modules 1 to 9, facilitated by YEP Coordinator Ms. Ma. Diana E. Saguinsin, with support from Ms. Portia Sophia M. Cortezano and Negosyo Center Business Counselors Ms. Avegail Agojo, Mr. Vincent Alvarez, and Mr. Carl Villanueva. These modules focused on core entrepreneurial skills such as collaboration, design thinking, ideation, and goal-setting.

Graduates of the YEP-BYOB 2025 program in Laguna pose for a group photo during the Business Improvement Plan Pitching and Graduation Ceremony held at the YDA Conference Room in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
Graduates of the YEP-BYOB 2025 program in Laguna pose for a group photo during the Business Improvement Plan Pitching and Graduation Ceremony held at the YDA Conference Room in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
Graduates of the YEP-BYOB 2025 program in Laguna pose for a group photo during the Business Improvement Plan Pitching and Graduation Ceremony held at the YDA Conference Room in Santa Cruz, Laguna.

On June 21, training continued with Modules 10 to 18, covering key topics in marketing, branding, operations, financial management, customer targeting, and pitch development. These sessions were designed to prepare participants for their final pitch, sharpening their business strategies and storytelling abilities.

The final day, June 25, featured the Business Improvement Plan (BIP) Pitching activity, where each participant presented a 3-minute pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with a panel of seasoned evaluators:

  • Mr. Cesar German L. Gerpacio, Former DTI-Laguna OIC Provincial Director
  • Mr. Arnel Magpily, Former DTI-Laguna Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist
  • Mr. Benson L. Sarabia Jr., SB Corporation Program Officer, P3CI

The panel commended the participants for their clear business direction, creativity, and potential for community impact and sustainability.

In the afternoon, the Graduation Ceremony followed. Ms. Villaseñor delivered a message of appreciation to the graduates, mentors, and program partners. Certificates of completion were awarded to all participants, speakers, and evaluators.

Top 5 Best in BIP Pitching were recognized for their standout ideas and presentations:

  • Pierre Daniel Villanueva – Dough Minoes Bake House
  • Andrea Paula R. Cornelio – Moringa Goo Food and Beverage Stall
  • Acelyn Delos Reyes – AceCreations Cakes & Pastries Corner
  • Mark Jahzel A. Sabarias – KapexKomunidad Coffee Shop
  • Jan Allan C. De Leon – Moka Blends Food Kiosk

Provincial Director Tungohan concluded the event with a message of encouragement: “You are not just the leaders of tomorrow—you are already shaping change today.” He urged the graduates to pursue businesses that create value not only for themselves but for their communities.

The successful conclusion of YEP-BYOB 2025 Batch 2 reaffirmed the passion, resilience, and innovation of the Filipino youth. As these young entrepreneurs move forward, they carry with them not just business skills—but a shared mission to contribute meaningfully to local economic development and nation-building.

Mabuhay ang kabataang negosyante!

About YEP-BYOB:

DTI-Laguna’s You Can Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) is a flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative conducted in partnership with the Laguna YDA. The program provides aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18–30 with hands-on training, expert-led mentorship, and real-world pitching opportunities to help turn their ideas into viable business ventures. (VDAlvarez, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 14 July 2025