Filipinos must embrace entrepreneurship, resource speakers imparted to participants of the 13th Asian Innovation Forum (AIF) held in Angono, Rizal on Friday.

Angono Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon expressed her joy to the DAILY TRIBUNE for bringing the AIF to her city. She shared her own experiences as a business owner and emphasized the importance of continuous learning to navigate challenges in In his welcome remarks, Angono Public Employment Service Officer Angelo San Juan lauded business owners for their resilience during the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving technologies, particularly the digitalization of payment processes, citing global trends in automation and entrepreneurship as key factors for survival and growth.

He noted that, while emerging digitalization had the potential to negatively impact jobs, entrepreneurship and business ownership will remain strong opportunities to succeed and excel in the digital age.

DAILY TRIBUNE Editor-at-Large John Dodson welcomed participants on behalf of DT President Willie Fernandez. Dodson highlighted AIF’s mission to foster economic growth, promote innovation, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.

He expressed gratitude to event partners Maya, PCSO, Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) and the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative for their steadfast support.

Insights from leaders, advocates

DAILY TRIBUNE Executive Director for Events and Promotion Chingkee Mangcucang and co-host Kim Sancha introduced a compelling lineup of speakers.

Kaunlad Pinoy Partylist VP for Training and Culture Lec Toribio shared an inspiring personal story, reminding participants of the value of perseverance, self-improvement, and collaboration.

“At Kaunlad Pinoy, we want each Filipino to succeed, become stronger, and learn how to do business. Unlike other jobs, the fruits of entrepreneurship can be inherited by your children,” Toribio said.

Toribio, who represented James Christopher Napoles, the first nominee of the Kaunlad Pinoy party-list, shared his journey that was marked by hardship, betrayal and, ultimately, triumph.

“Not everything in life goes as planned,” Toribio reflected.

“But you must keep walking.” This perseverance, coupled with his unshakable belief in his dreams, eventually led him to success.

“At that time, I didn’t have a car, I didn’t have a big house, but I had dreams.” Those dreams, and his determination to turn them into reality, eventually led him to great success: two homes, two cars and a thriving business.

Toribio’s message at AIF was clear: entrepreneurship is a mindset, not a privilege. He shared his vision of Kaunlad Pinoy, which is dedicated to empowering Filipino micro-entrepreneurs, teaching them how to think like business owners and act with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Everyone can be in business

“At Kaunlad Pinoy, we want every Filipino to realize that they, too, can grow their businesses,” Toribio said in Filipino.

According to Toribio, it’s not about material things — it’s about vision, determination and the belief that one can succeed.

Toribio’s advocacy for entrepreneurship is amplified through AIF. He aims to introduce innovative ideas and solutions that can revolutionize small businesses across the country.

“We are here to innovate our minds, to face challenges, and rise above them,” he said.

“At AIF, we want to nurture your talent, help you grow stronger, and encourage you to keep developing your skills. You don’t need to compare yourself to others. Focus on strengthening what you already have,” he stressed.

Toribio is a firm believer that the key to success lies in surrounding oneself with positive influences.

“Surround yourself with successful people, and you will also be successful,” he said.

His advice to young entrepreneurs is to stop looking for what’s lacking in their businesses and focus on maximizing their existing resources.

AIF, which focuses on “Facing the Headwinds of Financial Sustainability,” is a critical platform for addressing the challenges faced by small businesses in the Philippines.

The forum featured Angelo San Juan, Public Employment Service Officer for Angono, who welcomed the hundreds of participants.

San Juan commended business owners for their resilience in getting through Covid-19. He encouraged business owners to adapt in the face of changes, including the tapping of digital payment processes.

Repay Digital Solutions Marketing Director Brian Mendoza emphasized during the event the importance of entrepreneurship, highlighting how business ventures contribute significantly to both the economy and communities.

“It’s good to do business, it greatly helps the economy and the community,” Mendoza said, stressing that opportunities should be actively sought.

Mendoza encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the digital age, noting that starting an online business is a viable and accessible option for anyone looking to succeed.