June 27, 2024 - Hundreds of senior high school students from Rizal High School in Pasig were introduced to the world of entrepreneurship at a recent "Youthpreneur" summit organized by Go Negosyo and the Department of Education.
The event aimed to inspire young Filipinos to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Students were mentored by business owners who shared valuable insights on starting, sustaining, and growing a business.
Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion emphasized the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age. He highlighted the role of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth, citing the success of SMEs in other countries.
"The only way to lift the economy is to teach our young kids to be enterprising," said Concepcion. "This can involve working for a company with a business-minded approach or becoming their own boss."
The summit also featured a Q&A session where students actively engaged with mentors, seeking advice and knowledge on navigating the exciting yet challenging world of entrepreneurship.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte acknowledged the crucial role mentors play in fostering a culture of innovation among the youth.
"We need to empower our students and help them develop the skills and competencies they need to thrive in the future," said Duterte.
Duterte stressed the importance of financial literacy, encouraging students to explore entrepreneurship as a way to supplement their income.
"Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it can be a rewarding path," Duterte remarked. "By learning how to manage a business, students can gain valuable skills and potentially achieve financial security."
The summit also explored the potential of social media as a business tool. Concepcion cited the success of social media influencers, demonstrating how students can leverage online platforms to market themselves and their ideas.
The Youthpreneur summit is a nationwide initiative by Go Negosyo, designed to spark interest in entrepreneurship among Filipino students. The organization plans to hold similar events in various schools across the country in the coming months.