DTI, DepEd Launch Youth Entrepreneurship in Guimaras

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 6 launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) for farm schools on April 4, marking the official start of a regional initiative to integrate business education into agriculture-focused institutions.

The inaugural coordination meeting was held at the Catalino G. Nava National High School Farm School in Guimaras, following the March 26 signing of a memorandum of agreement between the two agencies.

The agreement covers 31 farm schools in Western Visayas and aims to strengthen entrepreneurship education among youth in agricultural communities.

DTI Region 6 Regional Director Rachel Naciongayo Nufable and DepEd Region 6 Assistant Regional Director Miguel Mac Aposin led the event, joined by education supervisors, division representatives from Guimaras, and personnel from both departments.

The meeting emphasized aligning entrepreneurship initiatives with the farm school model, focusing on hands-on learning in both farming and business practices.

Students at the Catalino G. Nava Farm School demonstrated their weekly Bulantihan—a marketplace where they sell their harvested produce—and shared their experiences in farrowing activities.

These projects, according to school officials, teach students the value of labor, production, and early income generation.

“With farming and if we are mapisan, there is income and we won’t go hungry,” Nufable said, stressing agriculture’s continued relevance to the region.

She underscored that entrepreneurship begins with discovering one’s passion but extends far beyond interest alone.

“Production, operations, marketing, and financial literacy must all come together,” she added.

As part of the initiative, DTI has promoted financial literacy among students since 2022 through a partnership with the Guimaras Brethren Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

This collaboration has enabled students to open savings accounts, fostering financial discipline in preparation for future business ventures.

The YEP will also provide technical training, including capacity-building programs for teachers and learners.

“In September 2024, we were able to inspire school heads to embrace the Youth Entrepreneurship Program and take it further,” Nufable noted, citing an earlier training for farm school executives.

She emphasized that continuous education and mentorship are crucial to fully implement the program across all participating schools.

“Developing these skills is critical to the full mobilization of the YEP in our farm schools,” she said.

DepEd’s Aposin reaffirmed the department’s support, saying the initiative complements its goal of cultivating productive and innovative learners.

The farm school approach is showing early signs of success, with students expressing interest in pursuing agriculture and business-related degrees in higher education.

Both agencies said they remain committed to ensuring the program takes root and flourishes across Western Visayas.