On 15 October 2021 at 12:00 in the afternoon, the virtual launching of BIDABES “Building Initiatives with DTI in Assisting Budding Entrepreneurs to Succeed thru 7Ms in the province of Rizal” with the theme, Youth + Entrepreneurship = Success Forum: “Turning Job Seekers to Job Creators,” was conducted through Zoom. The program, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Rizal provincial office under the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), aims to equip budding MSMEs valuable entrepreneurial skills with the aid of DTI’s very own 7Ms of successful entrepreneurs. The virtual forum was attended by 853 participants from the province of Rizal and beyond.
The virtual program was hosted by Negosyo Center Business Counselors (BC), Jaymie Benito and Bernardo Maroto Jr. After the opening preliminaries, DTI Rizal Provincial Director Desiderio G. Jurado III welcomed guests and participants. He wished for the continual success of young entrepreneurs especially in this time of pandemic. He also put importance on DTI providing budding MSMEs with concrete solutions and continuous development efforts for their growth and advancement in the market.
Jorge Wieneke, CEO of Tokyo Tempura, delivered his message of support by indicating that the youth with their creativity, ideas, and boundless energy need a program like BIDABES: Youth + Entrepreneurship = Success to hone their natural skills and provide them with knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed.
DTI-4A Assistant Regional Director Marissa Argente, gave inspiration through advising the youth entrepreneurs to hang on to their dreams of owning successful businesses one day. She encouraged the participants to continue striving as there will be institutions, such as DTI, to help them succeed. Afterwards, DTI-ROG Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona on behalf of DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez also delivered a message of hope. USec Lantayona expounded on the effects of the pandemic towards the youth sector. She noted the importance of strengthening the youth sector by venturing into business. She thanked DTI Rizal for coming up with BIDABES to focus on the youth and the development of the nation’s MSME sector.
Governor Rebecca Ynares of the Province of Rizal, put importance on the timeliness of the program for the emerging youth entrepreneurs during the pandemic. She stressed the significance of unleashing the potential of young business owners, and of providing the youth with the proper environment to hone their skills to contribute to the community’s economic growth through their success and ingenuity.
Proceeding to the program proper, Charish Tanawan the owner of Biba Cakes and Pastries, one of Rizal’s own successful entrepreneurs honed by DTI Rizal through the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) and the One Town, One Product (OTOP) programs shared her journey towards success. Tanawan gave emphasis on honing acquired skills and working towards the achievement of success by striving towards effectivity and the will to make things happen. She shared how having a business not only helps oneself but the community as well through the creation of jobs and steady employment. Lastly, she advised the youth not to wait for opportunities but to create them instead.
Celebrity Entrepreneur Dominic Roque, PLDT Home Biz Ambassador and President of Black Peak Hypermedia Inc, shared that starting a business as early as possible will be beneficial to oneself in the future as he aspires to retire young and spend his life with his family after the success of his endeavors. Roque also revealed his three letters to success – D.O.M. Or Do something. Optimism. Make a life. He advised young entrepreneurs to have the will to achieve their goals and to be able to have discipline and good work ethics. Mr. Roque ended his presentation by sharing that every failure is an opportunity to learn.
Afterwards, Paulo Tibig, CEO of V Cargo, presented his business ideas for youth entrepreneurs. Tibig introduced the evolution of consumer behavior and current spending priorities of Filipino families, to home in on what type of businesses achieve greater success in today’s market. He expanded on out of the box thinking and readiness to adapt to change in achieving an innovative mindset. Tibig advised young entrepreneurs to evolve, value the essence of time, and have courage to defy failures in the process of achieving success.
Guest speakers were awarded Certificates of Appreciation after their respective presentations. The closing remarks was delivered by Gladdie Mallari the President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Rizal. The program ended at 5:00 in the afternoon. ♦
Date of Release: 21 October 2021