DTI R6 rolls out entrepreneurship training for out-of-school youth

Unleashing the entrepreneurial potential of the out-of-school youth in Western Visayas, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 successfully launched the BOOST Youth (Be Your Own Boss Out of School Training for Youth) on August 15, 2022 via virtual platform.

DTI-6 Assistant Regional Director Ermelinda Pollentes emphasized the contribution of the youth in the business industry as the country transitions to an innovation-led economy in this digital information age, stating that socioeconomic opportunities should be made available to them including the out-of-school youth.

“This practical activity-based training will help you sharpen your skills so you will be able to spot opportunities to improve an existing product or service which you may claim as your innovation.”

The program is part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0 Program, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to enhance entrepreneurship training programs for Filipino out-of-school youth to improve their education, employment, and livelihood outcomes.

Justin Paul Yap, Education Development Center, Inc. Private Sector Officer in Iloilo City explained that under the partnership, DTI’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program (DTI YEP) integrated USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) curriculum – an innovative approach that develops young people’s skills in business planning and management, as well as the mindset they need to become successful entrepreneurs.

The Education Development Center, Inc. is one of the key players in the implementation of the program which gives second chance opportunities for out-of-school youth.

Yap explained that the program was put in place to address the country’s growing out-of-school youth population, which reached four million in CY 2021, by preparing them to transition to further education and training for immediate jobs and long-term success.

The provincial government, with the help of the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) or the Local Social Welfare and Development Office identified the participants and endorsed OSYs coming from their respective provinces.

The program will be participated by sixty (60) mentees regionwide with 10 participants coming from each province.

“Along with the in-school youth and PWD youth, we are providing you with the same opportunities to be in the mainstream of assisted MSMEs.  You are in good hands. DTI is with you all along the way throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Rest assured of our assistance from the regional office, provincial offices and Negosyo Centers in your area”, ARD Pollentes said.

Since DTI Region 6 already implemented YEP for In-School-Youth and PWD Youth earlier this year, BYOB dubbed as BOOST Youth will be implemented separately in the region starting August 15 and will end on August 30.