PCE summit aims to lure studes into entrepreneurship

CEBU, Philippines - Pursuing its advocacy to encourage more entrepreneurs in the Philippines, the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), through its flagship campaign “Go Negosyo” will hold its first Youth Entrepreneurship Summit in Cebu on Friday, Oct. 5 at the J Centre Convention Hall.

In this whole-day event which aims at empowering the youth to start off a business, PCE is partnering with the host school Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu led by the SHS- AdC Batch ’87.

According to John Dytian, this year’s chairperson for SHS-AdC batch ’87 homecoming event, instead of throwing a party to celebrate, the group has decided to make this year’s homecoming a significant one, encouraging the youth to enter the business world.

“We are in the middle of entrepreneurship revolution. Going into business regardless of age is already cool,” said SHS-AdC batch ’87 homecoming vice chairman Jay P. Aldeguer.

About 2,000 students from different schools in Cebu are expected to attend the whole-day event which will start at 9 a.m.

Successful young entrepreneurs such as Bam Aquino, Cristalle Belo Henares, Tomanny Tan and Ronald Penida, the man behind the success of Folded and Hung, are event speakers.

PCE executive director Ramon Lopez said it is high time for the Go Negosyo campaign to step up to higher level, and reach out to the next business icons in the country — the youth and encourage them to consider entrepreneurship this early.

This is the first time in its eight years that Go Negosyo focuses its campaign on the youth. In the past, the program helped SMEs or micro-entrepreneurs develop more skills and how to sustain their ventures.

“The summit is more on awakening the ‘hero’ inside them (youth). Inspiring them to believe in their passion and be brave in pursuing their dreams,” Lopez said.

Aldeguer emphasized that although the organizers of this   Youth Entrepreneurship Summit have confirmed students from different schools in Cebu, the forum is open to the public especially for the young generation who wants to be inspired and be motivated to go into business.

During the summit, Go Negosyo will also recognize 10 young Cebuano entrepreneurs. They are: Jan Rodriguez (Irie Gastropub/Ila Puti Resto); Jumbo Climaco (Fushu Shoes); Ken and Kaz Onozawa (Rhipstop Clothing); Wesley Chiongbian (Mynimo.com); Dan Legarde (Japengo/ The Beat restobar); Rachel Arandilla (Sprockets Milk Tea & Cafe); Ranault Lao (Loft and Penthouse restobars); Derek Dytian (Creative Cuisine); Blonx Tirol (93rd and Ist radio bar lounge); and Diane Uy-Ang (What a Girl Wants). (FREEMAN)