“We would like to encourage everyone to develop or improve your entrepreneurial skills by engaging in different programs of the government and other institutions. Through this, we believe that you can do a lot of positive changes, not just for yourselves but to your communities as well,” said Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan during the 41st founding anniversary of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, held at the Marikina Convention Center.
The theme for this year celebration is “Ugnayan ng Kabataan sa Pangkabuhayan : Susi sa Pag-asenso.”
Gaining knowledge on programs for the youth
Some 420 participants were oriented on the programs of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The youth were informed that they may avail of scholarships and enroll in the technical and vocational courses under TESDA to develop their skills so they would be gainfully employed.
Among the programs of the DOLE for the youth which were discussed were: Special Program for Employment of Student (SPES) which aims to help poor but deserving students pursue their education. This is possible by motivating them to be employed during summer or Christmas vacations. Also discussed was Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) program which is open to graduates and graduating college students, to make them productive, resourceful and self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Improving financial well-being
On the other hand, Youth at Ven
ture (YAV) executive director Kristina Erika Clavido advised the youth to control their expenditures and increase their ability to earn. She shared Robert Kiyosaki’s wisdom which states that money without financial knowledge is money soon gone.
“Spend wisely, budget accordingly, save consistently and invest smartly,” she continued.
Meanwhile, two (2) young entrepreneurs namely: Ms. Carla Marie Ignacio, PYAP Ambassadress 2013 and Mr. Marvin Ramos, YAV beneficiary, shared their experiences as young entrepreneurs.
“Lakasan ninyo lang loob ninyo, gawin ninyo kung ano talaga ang gusto ninyo at higit sa lahat, magtiwala kayo sa inyong sarili (Be strong, follow your passion and more importantly, belive in yourself),” Ramos muttered.
Showcasing beauty, talent and wit
Aside from the motorcade, the highlight of the event was the Search for PYAP Ambassador and Ambassadress 2014 who would represent the youth in the National Capital Region.
Special awards were given to Ms. Mel April Cris Namion of Marikina, Best in Formal Wear; Ms. Faith Breis of Malabon, Best in Uniform and Talent; while Mr. Manuel Joseph Remo of Marikina, got all the awards among PYAP Am
bassador candidates.
Talented PYAP delegates from Valenzuela, San Juan, Pasig, Marikina and Quezon City also performed intermission numbers wh
ich delighted the participants.
In addition, Remo and Breis from the cities of Marikina and Malabon, respectively, won the PYAP Ambassador and Ambassadress 2014.
Director Bonoan stated that the winners shall be a role model for the youth through increased awareness and active participation in the programs that promote social development.###