Bay, Laguna — On May 3, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Laguna, through the Negosyo Center Bay, participated in the Entrelympics 2025 Forum held at the NCAS Auditorium, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Organized by the UP Society of Management and Economics Students (UP SMES), the event focused on the theme “Moves That Matter: Navigating Markets Toward MSME Success.”
The forum brought together aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country to gain insights from experienced business professionals and engage in valuable discussions on navigating the challenges in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Avegail Agojo, Business Counselor from DTI Laguna, shared her expertise on overcoming financial barriers and capital challenges. She stressed the importance of utilizing free digital platforms, cloud services, and government programs to reach broader markets with minimal upfront costs. She emphasized that challenges in business often offer opportunities for growth, and adopting an entrepreneurial mindset is key to long-term success.
“There’s nothing wrong with taking on debt as long as it’s for the business and you have a responsible plan to repay it,” Agojo said. She encouraged the students to explore government programs like Go Lokal, Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME), One Town, One Product (OTOP), and the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), which provide mentorship and help businesses gain market visibility.
Gian Francis Mari Dizon, a 2nd-year marketing student and the young founder of Playahz and Uni-Tap, also took the stage to share his entrepreneurial journey, which started when he was just 12 years old. He highlighted the importance of building self-confidence and being self-reliant as an entrepreneur, stressing that, at the end of the day, the most reliable ally you’ll have in business is yourself.
“The world is changing fast, and embracing digital tools is essential for business success,” Dizon shared. He talked about the importance of online presence, digital payments, and AI technologies in transforming the way businesses operate today. He also stressed the significance of eco-sustainability, explaining that adopting sustainable practices not only helps the environment but also contributes to the long-term viability of a business.
Both Agojo and Dizon addressed the common challenges faced by businesses today, including the digital divide, e-commerce gaps, market saturation, and branding difficulties. However, they also underscored the opportunities available for businesses to thrive with the right resources, support, and mindset.
The event also featured discussions on business formalization, where participants learned about the importance of Business Name Registration under the Business Name Law, and the benefits offered by the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Law, such as tax exemptions for small businesses.
In a session about branding, participants discussed whether it’s better to start a business from scratch or invest in a franchise. Agojo shared that franchising could be a great option for those looking to minimize risks, but she also encouraged entrepreneurs to carefully assess their goals. “Do you want to build your own brand, or are you looking for a proven model that you can scale?” she asked.
DTI Laguna’s participation in the Entrelympics 2025 Forum served as an important platform to engage with the youth and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. With
the right tools, mindset, and government support, young entrepreneurs can overcome challenges such as financial barriers, digital divides, and sustainability concerns to achieve success in today’s competitive market. (ADAgojo, DTI Laguna) ♦
Date of Release: 26 May 2025