YEP Western Visayas

A proud moment for youth entrepreneurship in Iloilo.

Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo, headed by Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, showing support by carrying the product of Roel Jay Caoyonan, one of the alumni of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Batch 2024.

This is more than just a photo, it’s a reminder that when young entrepreneurs are given the right support and opportunities, their ideas can grow, thrive, and gain recognition even at the provincial level.

Padayon sa pagpalambo sang kabataang negosyante!

𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒, 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀

⛽ This week’s session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan ran longer than usual—not because of delays, but because we were deeply engaged in a meaningful Question Hour. We took time to examine the ongoing fuel situation, with insights from national agencies, the energy sector, and transport cooperatives, grounding our discussion on both national assistance and on-the-ground realities.

💪🏻 Despite the extended deliberations, the body powered through a full agenda, approving 36 committee reports and acting on two proposed ordinances, reflecting our commitment to both depth and productivity in legislation.

🏥 One of the key measures approved was a resolution authorizing Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. to sign agreements with the Department of Health–Western Visayas Center for Health Development for the release of ₱23 million under the MAIFIP Program. This will support our provincial and district hospitals and help ensure continued access to medical assistance for our constituents.

🚨 We also supported a timely resolution authored by LnB President Amalia Debuque, urging all municipalities and the component city of Iloilo to adopt or amend their Drug-Free Workplace Ordinances to explicitly cover barangay officials, aligning local measures with the provincial policy in light of recent concerns.

🍌 As we continue supporting our local MSMEs, we kept ourselves going with PintaChoco from Jaeyel’s Food Products Manufacturing, crafted by 22-year-old Ilonggo entrepreneur Roel Jay P. Caoyonan of Brgy. Arac, Passi City. Simple but a lifesaver during a long session, and a great reminder of the creativity of our local food entrepreneurs.

Padayon lang sa trabaho ang Inyo 15th SP!

ATTENTION: ASPIRING YOUNG AGRIPRENEURS OF WESTERN VISAYAS!

Ready to turn your agricultural passion into a profitable enterprise? The future of food security is in your hands - and we’re here to help you build it!

In partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas, DTI is leveling up the search for the next generation of agri-innovators.

When you pre-register for the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2026, you don’t just get a shot at the challenge, you earn a chance to avail the Young Aspiring Agripreneurs Bootcamp!

What’s in it for you?
✅ Master the Business Model Canvas (BMC)
✅ Expert mentoring on Design Thinking, Marketing, Building a Team & Finance
✅ Innovation strategies to make your agri-startup stand out
✅ A chance to be part of the YFC 2026 Awardees!

Young Aspirants, be an Agripreneur!

PRE-REGISTER NOW via DA Western Visayas:
https://forms.gle/RcHNrKSaDzEMjRTB9
https://forms.gle/RcHNrKSaDzEMjRTB9
https://forms.gle/RcHNrKSaDzEMjRTB9

Note: Pre-registering for YFC 2026 gave a chance to avail a slot in the DTI Bootcamp!

Let’s grow your ideas into a sustainable business.
See you at the bootcamp, Young Aspiring Agriprenuers!

📢 Call for Applications: Green Shift SME Coaching Programme –⁠ Philippines

Are you an SME in the Philippines committed to green growth and ready to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage?

Apply now to secure your place among 15 selected SMEs that will receive tailored, hands-on, free of charge coaching under the Green Shift programme.

Green Shift is a joint initiative by United Nations ESCAP and Temasek Foundation, supporting SMEs to accelerate their green transition and strengthen sustainable supply chains across South-East Asia. In the Philippines, the programme is implemented in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Trade Training Center.


Participating SMEs will:
🔹Receive up to 10 days of individualized coaching over a period of up to 10 months
🔹Identify the gaps holding their business back
🔹Develop and implement a practical sustainability action plan aligned with the green procurement goals of larger enterprises
🔹Strengthen their competitiveness and unlock new business opportunities
🔹Learn how to confidently pitch their sustainability story to win new contracts
🔹Join a regional matchmaking session in Manila on 9 September 2026 at the Regional Green Shift Forum

🗓️Deadline: 21 February 2026
➡️Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gcYiPZaH

Priority sectors include Energy, Agriculture, Fast-moving consumer goods, Manufacturing, Construction, Transportation, and Waste Management.

More details on the coaching programme and eligibility criteria are available in the application form.

Congratulations Kolasito VA! Your YEP Family is proud of you.

Congratulations to the Top 5 Winners of YEP BYE 2025!

After an inspiring and competitive final round, these five outstanding young entrepreneurs emerged as the best of the best in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program – Bootcamp for Young Entrepreneurs (YEP BYE)!

From vision to ex*****on, their business improvement plans impressed our esteemed panel of judges and demonstrated innovation, impact, and growth potential.

Let’s give it up for these changemakers who are shaping the future of business in Western Visayas!

Your YEP journey doesn't end here, it only begins. Keep going and keep growing!

Presenting the Top 20 Finalists of YEP BYE 2025!

These young entrepreneurs stood out among 60 driven participants and earned their place in the Final Pitching Competition of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program – Bootcamp for Young Entrepreneurs (YEP BYE) 2025.

Armed with enhanced business strategies, refined pitches, and unwavering passion, they showcased the best of youth-led innovation and enterprise in Western Visayas!

This recognition celebrates their commitment to leveling up their enterprises and their courage to dream bigger. Padayon, BYE Finalists!

Official YEP BYE 2025 Completers!

Meet the young entrepreneurs who successfully completed the Youth Entrepreneurship Program – Bootcamp for Young Entrepreneurs (YEP BYE) 2025!

After three days of intensive learning, collaboration, and innovation, these changemakers are now more equipped to grow their enterprises, create impact, and lead with purpose in their communities.

From developing their business improvement plans to crafting their pitch, they’ve shown what it means to be driven, creative, and ready to level up.

Let’s celebrate their journey and cheer them on as they bring their ideas to life and strengthen the future of entrepreneurship in Western Visayas!