The Department of Trade and Industry – Region III (DTI-3) celebrated Central Luzon’s most outstanding 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 first-ever Summit gathered youth innovators from across the region who completed various YEP interventions throughout the year.

With the theme “Empowering Central Luzon’s Next Generation Innovators,” the event showcased the achievements, resilience, and creativity of young business owners, serving as the culminating activity of DTI-3’s year-round YEP initiatives. Present during the program were DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI-3 Assistant Regional Director Richard V. Simangan, University of the Assumption Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michaella Castillo, and key partners supporting youth-led enterprises.

A highlight of the Summit was the Regional Business Pitching Competition, featuring innovative concepts from all seven provinces of Central Luzon. Nueva Ecija clinched First Place through John Paul Yambot’s Scoop Haven, followed by Pampanga in Second Place with IBÁT, represented by Charlene Angel V. Dayrit, Justine Espinola, John Mark Garcia, and Trisha Mae Pagado. Zambales secured Third Place with L’Reinvente by Kristine Angela Yap. Other provincial contenders included Aurora’s Bibi & Co., Bataan’s Pureza, Bulacan’s Disenyo Pinta, and Tarlac’s LALIK.

DTI-3 also presented the Outstanding Youth Entrepreneur Awards, recognizing exceptional young business owners from each province:

• 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 program also included inspiring testimonies from youth entrepreneurs Omar Flores, Kristine Angela Yap, and Czarina Jean Gabornes, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and the impact of DTI’s support. Participants engaged in learning sessions on branding, startup solutions, and cooperative opportunities, and explored youth-developed innovations at the mini trade fair.

DTI-3 affirmed its commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs by strengthening initiatives that provide mentorship, market access, and growth pathways. Through YEP, the agency continues to cultivate a dynamic, future-ready generation of MSMEs poised to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Central Luzon.