DTI-6 announces winners in YEP:iSEA competition

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6’s badge on Youth Entrepreneurship Program: In-School Entrepreneurship Academy (YEP:iSEA) depicts the commitment of the agency to empower young entrepreneurs in the region and promote entrepreneurship among young people who are still in school.

YEP:iSEA shall use the winning design in all its related activities from the recently concluded logo-making contest. The activity was open to all enrolled students in the region, aged 18 to 30 years old.

Jestonie Tumbokon, in collaboration with Zaide Rian A. Esbieto, came up with the winning design.

Tumbokon, a resident of Libertad, Antique, is taking up BS in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing at the West Visayas State University.

Esbieto, on the other hand, is a BS Civil Engineering student from Mapua University.

They received Php5,000 cash prize after besting 17 other entries.

Earlier, 40 students from 11 partner colleges and universities were enrolled as YEP:iSEA. Coaches were assigned to guide them translate their ideas into a minimum viable product, and assist them operate their business as aspiring start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The participating academes were University of San Agustin (USA), Western Visayas State University (WVSU), Central Philippine University (CPU), University of Saint La Salle (USLS), University of the Philippines – Miagao Campus (UP-Miagao), Guimaras State University (GSU), University of Antique (UA), Capiz State University (CSU), Aklan State University (ASU), College of Saint John (CSJ), and Garcia College of Technology (GCT).

DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon earlier said that the YEP: iSEA intends to prepare and harness the skills of the younger generation as future entrepreneurs. “We will hone their skills and encourage them to develop business ideas,” she said.

The Mentees underwent a five-module course tackling entrepreneurial mind-setting and business planning, business model canvas, marketing management with digital planning, financial and operational management, and preparing a business pitch.

The Mentees graduated on Sept. 27, 2021.

Following the submission of business proposal pitch, the DTI VI selected the top five ideas with the top three getting P10,000 each while the fourth and fifth placers received P5,000 each.

The winners were: 1^st Place – Bea Tan, University of St. La Salle, Negros Occidental (Kurba Clothing); 2^nd Place – Armen Thea Naputol, University of San Agustin, Iloilo (Incredible Spoon); 3^rd Place – Adrian Fillone, University of Antique, Antique (Bolantero).

Ma. Patricia Flores (Tahi – Made in Oton) and Froy Crisostomo (Tahong Chips), from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo and Aklan State University, Aklan, won fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Under the criteria of selection, the business pitch must have a unique, novel, or distinct approach which gives it an advantage over its competitors; it has an innovative solution to an existing or emerging problem; and is able to formulate creative strategies to be adopted to stay relevant and survive economic challenges; among others.

A competition on audio-visual presentation advertisement, and promotional flyers were also held. The top three winners on both competitions will receive cash prizes, while the fourth and fifth places will get special citations.

The top three winners on AVP Advertisement were: 1^st Place – Jesse Lemuel Dellova, Central Philippine University, Iloilo; 2^nd Place – Je-Anne Joy Vibora, Capiz State University, Capiz; 3^rd Place – Paul Christian Alado, Central Philippine University, Iloilo.

Lourenze Floyd Tu (CPU) and Peter Paul Marfito (USLS) received special citations.

The winners on promotional flyers were: 1^st Place – Paul Christian Alado, CPU; 2^nd Place – Jesse Jemuel Dellova, CPU; 3^rd Place – Kimberlee Sta. Ana, WVSU. Mark Rogen Caspe (USA) and Niña Jan Lere Miguel (CPU) received special citations.