Some 970 Navoteño youth gained knowledge on online retail, electronic commerce and digital marketing in the 7th Youth Entrepreneurship Summit held by the City Government of Navotas.
The participants were inspired by the success of guest speakers, Irish Apple Neulid, a former participant of YES and now a thriving online entrepreneur and owner of Toyang Online Shop and Toyang Closet; Danielle Alexis Morales, co-owner and founder of Tee-House Digital Printing; Millicent Dumalaong, owner and founder of Kamila’s 4AM Art.
Michelle Ann Lim, a Senior Marketing and Communication Specialist from Air Global, Inc., taught participants the basics of Digital Marketing, as well as techniques in successfully using digital platforms in promoting businesses.
Meanwhile, representatives from Bangkulasi Senior High School, one of the beneficiaries of Nego-Eskwela, a school-focused skills training program of the city government, discussed Enhancing Skills of Management and Entrepreneurship through Life Long Learning.
E-SMELL is a school project that thrusts the concept of entrepreneurship and self-employment as an alternative way of earning a living and building a career.
In his speech, Mayor Toby Tiangco noted that even the biggest conglomerate in the Philippines started from humble beginnings. The key is having the courage to try and persevere until their goal is reached, he said.
“You are at the prime age to start a business. Whether you succeed or fail, you have ample amount of time to move forward or start anew,” he said.
Rep. John Rey Tiangco, on the other hand, advised senior high school, college and alternative learning system (ALS) students to take the risk and make their novelty ideas come to life.
“Capitalize on the flourishing trend of digital technology. Be observant, be creative, and use your knowledge and skills to build an app or business that will be of service to you and your fellow youth,” he said.
Participants were also trained in making banana chocolate chip, braso de mercedes cupcake, mango panna cotta, and potato ham cheese croquettes.
The youth summit is an annual program of the city government led by the NavotaAs Hanapbuhay Center.