START UP, STAND OUT: Guimaras Youth Innovation Boot Camp 2026
The Provincial Government of Guimaras, through the Provincial Economic Development Office (PEDO), officially launched the Start Up, Stand Out: Guimaras Youth Innovation Boot Camp 2026 on September 14, 2026, at Fatima Farms, Brgy. San Enrique, San Lorenzo, Guimaras.
The four-day Boot Camp, running from September 14–17, 2026, brings together 25 young innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts, and students to strengthen their skills in innovation, digital technology, and business development. Participants will develop solutions addressing opportunities and challenges in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, information technology, and health technology.
The opening program featured a welcome message from Hon. Atty. Paul Vincent G. De la Cruz, a keynote message from Romel L. Amihan, Acting Assistant Regional Director and Concurrent Provincial Director of DTI–Guimaras, delivered by Ms. Nesgen Rhea C. Zerrudo, Senior Trade Specialist, and messages of support from Hon. Hannah Lisa Callejas, SK Federation President, and Dr. Erly Martir, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Guimaras State University.
In his keynote message, ARD/PD Amihan emphasized the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in creating opportunities and addressing community needs, stating:
“To start up means having the courage to begin—to transform an idea into something tangible, something useful, something that can create value. To stand out means having the confidence and determination to be different—to innovate, to solve problems in new ways, and to create solutions that respond to the needs of our communities.”
Day 1 featured “Guimaras Calling: A Reverse Pitch for Young Entrepreneurs Ready to Build in Agri-Fishery, Tourism and Beyond,” presented by Sr. Francisco E. Gentoral, followed by sessions on Design Thinking for Innovation Design and Customer Discovery and Problem Validation facilitated by Mr. Daryl Lasafin, Operations Director of Fyrlab – Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc.
The Boot Camp continued with workshops, mentorship sessions, digital skills training, business model development, prototyping, and startup pitching, helping participants transform their ideas into viable ventures and community-driven solutions.
The Provincial Government of Guimaras continues to empower young innovators to transform ideas into solutions and contribute to the province’s innovation-driven future.
Follow Provincial Economic Development Office – Guimaras on Facebook for more updates.
