By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

BAGUIO CITY – Thirty-seven young innovators from across the Cordillera successfully completed the four-day Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)–Project MARITES training and showcased their business ideas during the 2026 Regional Youth Business Pitch Competition held at The Orchard Hotel, Baguio City, on September 1-4, 2026.

A joint initiative of DTI-CAR and CHED-CAR, in partnership with the State Universities and Colleges in the region and in collaboration with the City of Baguio SIGLAT Youth Innovation Hub and UP Baguio SILBI, the program aimed to equip young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to develop innovative and sustainable business ventures.

Day 1: Building Entrepreneurial Foundations

The training opened with sessions on entrepreneurship, design thinking, market mapping, customer empathy, business idea generation, and the Business Model Canvas. Participants gained practical tools for understanding customer needs and transforming ideas into viable business concepts.

The opening program was highlighted by messages from CHED-CAR OIC Regional Director Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon, DTI-CAR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Samuel Gallardo, and CHED-CAR Supervising Education Program Specialist Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, who encouraged mentees to embrace innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship.

Day 2: Sustainability and Digital Innovation

Mentees explored the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in building responsible and inclusive enterprises. Sessions on Digital Entrepreneurship introduced participants to AI-powered business tools and emerging technologies, while workshops on marketing, sales strategy, and a financial simulation exercise strengthened their business planning and decision-making skills.

Day 3: Developing the Entrepreneurial Pitch

The third day focused on storytelling, pitching, and presentation skills. Participants drew inspiration from local entrepreneurs and YEP completers, including Mr. John Glenn Booy and Ms. Joan Ong, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys.

Mentees also learned from exemplary pitches presented by YEP Pitch Champion Lloyd Bryan Saysay and PSC X national finalist Johan Rickardo Roxas. Guided by mentors, participants refined their pitch decks and rehearsed their presentations in preparation for the competition.

Day 4: From Ideas to Innovation

The culminating day featured the 2026 Regional Youth Business Pitch Competition, where all 37 mentees presented their business concepts before panels of evaluators. The activity showcased the participants’ growth in business development, communication, and critical thinking.

Following the preliminary presentations and an orientation on youth financing opportunities from the Small Business Corporation–North Luzon, the top finalists advanced to the final round and pitched before a distinguished panel of entrepreneurs and industry professionals.

Emerging as Champion was Aprilia U. Del Rosario of the University of the Cordilleras with AmpFlow, an IoT-based sensor kit featuring real-time water-level monitoring and automated pump control.

Claiming Second Place was Kayla Jane W. Langbayan of Mountain Province State University with Ani-Pancit, a nutritious noodle product made from surplus vegetables. Third Place went to Ceasar James D. Osben of Benguet State University with Withers, a line of dehydrated instant vegetables.

Completing the Top Five were Crisanta B. Cabbigat of Mountain Province State University with HabiLab, a craft learning center, and Aizel B. Himmoldang of Ifugao State University with Eycelle Handmade, a crochet and upcycling enterprise.

The business ideas presented by the finalists reflected the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of Cordilleran youth. Through mentorship, capacity-building, and innovation-driven learning, YEP–Project MARITES continues to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.