UNDP Philippines, USTP empower youth through Entrepreneurship Network Mapping
By Kristine Jane M. Laid, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines Youth:CoLab, in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines’ Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (CET), CDO b.i.t.e.s., and the Technology Promotions and Commercialization Office (TPCO), hosted a network mapping activity on March 7, 2025, as part of a national diagnostic study. The event took place at the Makerspace, LRC Building, USTP Cagayan de Oro (USTP CDO), and aimed to foster collaboration among young entrepreneurs and entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mindanao.
The event brought together participants from various institutions, government agencies, youth-led organizations, youth entrepreneurs, and startup incubators across Mindanao, Philippines. Prior to the event, UNDP Philippines Youth:CoLab conducted a “Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Diagnostics Study” to gain insights into the landscape of youth-led and youth-serving enterprises nationwide. The event also discussed the State of the Filipino Youth and The Resilient Entrepreneur.
Mr. Kevin Martin dela Cruz, Research Team Lead of UNDP Philippines Youth:CoLab, discussed the study, underscoring the importance of boosting youth entrepreneurship. The study focuses on youth entrepreneurs aged 18-35 years old. During his presentation, Mr. dela Cruz highlighted the need to delve deeper into the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, noting the significant barriers to MSME development for young entrepreneurs. He emphasized that the findings of the study will contribute to a collective effort to recommend new policy guidelines to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the national government to support youth entrepreneurs better. Mr. dela Cruz expressed hope that the study would help inform DTI and the National Youth Commission, particularly in developing policies, market and business support and technological advancements.
Ms. Erika Joan Meñez, Youth Engagement Expert of UNDP Philippines Youth:CoLab, gave a talk on the State of the Filipino Youth. Ms. Meñez highlighted that young people are crucial drivers of economic development. However, access to opportunities remains limited, particularly in rural areas, as Ms. Meñez said. She also discussed educational challenges such as unequal access, curriculum mismatches, and the digital divide, which continue to affect young people’s ability to fully participate in the economy.
Mr. Kevin Martin dela Cruz, Research Team Lead of UNDP Philippines Youth:CoLab (right) and Ms. Erika Joan Meñez, Youth Engagement Expert of UNDP Philippines Youth:CoLab (left)
Mr. dela Cruz also discussed The Resilient Entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of building relationships with people to better understand customer needs. He said a clear vision and proactive planning are a must to overcome adversity. He also mentioned that to become resilient entrepreneurs, one must understand their customers, strengthen their values, maximize available resources, stay active, and make a meaningful impact.
Participants were divided into groups following the talks for a Youth Enterprise Network Mapping workshop. The groups discussed among themselves and presented their outputs. The workshop focused on fostering networking and strengthening support for youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
This event served as a platform for fostering partnerships and collective commitment to empowering youth entrepreneurship in the Philippines.
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