The Department of Trade and Industry – Region III (DTI-3) honored the region’s most promising young entrepreneurs during the 2025 Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Summit held on December 1, 2025, at the University of the Assumption in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The event gathered youth entrepreneurs from across Central Luzon who have completed various YEP interventions throughout the year.
The inaugural Summit, with the theme – Empowering Central Luzon’s Next Generation Innovators, highlighted the achievements and resilience of young business owners who continue to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. It also served as the culminating event of various DTI-3 activities under the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP).
The event was graced by DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI-3 Assistant Regional Director Richard V. Simangan, and University of the Assumption Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michaella Castillo, along with partners, mentors, and stakeholders who support the development of youth-led enterprises.
A major highlight of the Summit was the Regional Business Pitching Competition, showcasing innovative business ideas from the seven provinces of Central Luzon. Nueva Ecija emerged as First Place, followed by Pampanga as Second Place, and Zambales as Third Place. Provincial representatives and their business concepts included:
Nueva Ecija – John Paul Yambot, Scoop Haven (1st Place)
Pampanga – Charlene Angel V. Dayrit, Justine Espinola, John Mark Garcia and
Trisha Mae Pagado, IBÁT (2nd Place)
Zambales – Kristine Angela Yap, L’Reinvente (3rd Place)
Aurora – Krystelle Joie Aragon, Bibi and Co.
Bataan – John Jiemar Dela Cruz, Pureza
Bulacan – Edge Clarence Ilagan Gozar, Disenyo Pinta
Tarlac – Andrew Dominic Alcantara, Gemma C. Dela Paz, Jane S. Maninang,
Christine Bianca C. Anquillo, Ivan Carlos Luis S. Romero, LALIK
DTI-3 also conferred the Outstanding Youth Entrepreneur Awards to exceptional young business owners in each province. Awardees included:
Aurora – Krystelle Joie N. Aragon, Bibi & Co.
Bataan – Philip Jake E. Soberano, The Event Collective PH
Bulacan – Charlie Paul C. Gines, MK’s Food Products Manufacturing
Nueva Ecija – Czarina Jean E. Gabornes, CalamanC Juice Bar
Pampanga – Charlene Angel V. Dayrit, Justine Espinola, John Mark Garcia and
Trisha Mae Pagado, IBÁT
Tarlac – Omar Flores, Nuestra Tarlaqueña Religious Store and Gift Shop
Zambales – Kristine Angela Yap, L’Reinvente
The Summit also featured testimonies from youth entrepreneurs Omar Flores, Kristine Angela Yap, and Czarina Jean Gabornes, who shared their business journeys and the impact of DTI’s support. Participants joined learning sessions such as Designing Your Brand by the DICT, Business Solutions for Startups presented by PLDT, SBCorp, and Tropical Agriculture Cooperative, and explored innovations at the mini trade fair showcasing youth-developed products.
DTI-3 reaffirms its commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs by strengthening programs that provide mentorship, market access, and growth opportunities. Through YEP, the agency continues to build a vibrant, future-ready generation of MSMEs that contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Central Luzon.
