30 youth finish entrepreneurship training in Guimaras

SAN LORENZO, Guimaras — Thirty students from Catalino G. Nava Farm School graduated from the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) and Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) initiative on Nov. 15, 2025, marking the emergence of a new generation of young entrepreneurs.

The graduation featured a business pitching and completion ceremony where students presented their business concepts to demonstrate the skills they gained through the training.

The YEP–BYOB program is a joint initiative of the Guimaras Brethren Multipurpose Cooperative (GBMPC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted in partnership with Catalino G. Nava Farm School.

The initiative aims to provide young people with the knowledge and confidence needed to start their own businesses.

The training was held over three Saturdays — Oct. 4, 11, and 18 — and covered four modules: Entrepreneurship Mind Setting, Human Resource and Business Model Canvas, Financial Management, and My Business Pitch.

These sessions equipped participants with skills in business planning, resource management, and financial literacy to help them build viable entrepreneurial ideas.

A panel of professionals and experts assessed the final pitching activity, including James Daniel Gregori from the Department of Agriculture; GBMPC board member Samuel Penuela; school principal Dr. Armida Tabaosares; and DTI Guimaras representatives Rejoice Orquia and Ruth Penuela.

The panelists’ feedback strengthened the students’ proposals and broadened their understanding of business development.

Program supporters recognized during the event included Cooperative Manager Mary Jane Ganarias, Aflatoun Saver In-Charge Jonathan Proilan, and Aflatoun Coordinator Rogelio V. Panilaga.

Special acknowledgment was also given to the Negosyo Center business counselors who served as speakers and coaches, along with the teaching staff of Catalino G. Nava Farm School for mentoring the students throughout the program.

“This activity stands as a testament to the power of partnership,” organizers said in a statement. “The collaboration between Guimaras Brethren Multipurpose Cooperative and Catalino G. Nava Farm School continues to enrich youth development, creating avenues for young people to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become future business leaders.”

The YEP–BYOB initiative supports the government’s goal of strengthening entrepreneurial mindsets among youth and fostering community-based economic growth.

“As we invest in entrepreneurial education today, we are cultivating a new generation of empowered individuals — ready to innovate, lead, and contribute to sustainable community growth,” the organizers added.