Davao de Oro State College, through the Entrepreneurship Department, and Nabunturan Integrated Cooperative (NICO) sealed a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, May 11, 2026, at the DdOSC Activity Center Main Campus.

The MOA signing launched the Youthpreneur Program, an initiative designed to strengthen innovation, experiential learning, and sustainable enterprise among DdOSCians through cooperative engagement.

In his welcome message, Dean of the Entrepreneurship Department Dr. Leo E. Wenceslao urged students to pursue sustainability initiatives and become active contributors to their communities through entrepreneurship.

Project member Dr. Juanita C. Leopoldo emphasized that the Youthpreneur Program aims to produce financially literate, business-ready, and community-oriented young entrepreneurs and future cooperative leaders.

Dr. Leopoldo added that the program trains students to practice responsible saving habits as early as their first year in college.

Meanwhile, College President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay urged students to turn challenges into opportunities, emphasizing that resilience and innovation remain vital to overcoming today’s financial realities, declaring, “Financial resilience begins when you stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.”

Dr. Matunhay described the partnership with NICO as a meaningful investment in the future of DdOSCians, highlighting the institution’s commitment to developing both academic competence and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Representing NICO Chief Executive Officer Nick T. Tayabas, Chief Operations Officer Shella May Magbual reaffirmed the cooperative’s commitment to building enterprises that uplift the lives of the youth, families, and communities across the province.

The event concluded with the awarding of tokens, certificates, and awards during the Business Plan Implementation Culmination Program, showcasing entrepreneurial projects and actual business operations developed throughout the implementation period.