The year 2013 has proved to be another exciting year for GoNegosyo with just a few more days before we welcome 2014. Our eighth year as an advocacy was marked by several milestones, programs and partnerships as we continually strive to further our reach and empower the entire nation to be enterprising and entrepreneurial. We can only be thankful for the productive year that was, and before we wrap up the year, it would be fitting to look back at what we have accomplished, which will hopefully inspire us to do more.

We welcomed 2013 with two major entrepreneurship summits. In January, we conducted the 2nd Technopreneurship Summit, attended by nearly 5,000 participants at the SMX Convention Center. It was graced by some of the top Filipino technopreneurs, including Engr. Dado Banatao. He was joined by colleagues in Silicon Valley like Winston Damarillo, Eric Manlunas, Dr. Paco Sandejas, and Myla Villanueva, as well as Smart Communications cofounder Doy Vea. The summit also featured top bloggers, software developers and e-commerce practitioners like RJ David of Sulit.com.ph, among others. Senators Bam Aquino and Sonny Angara also inspired the crowd with their talks.

Following the success of the techno summit was the 5th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit. Students and practicing and aspiring entrepreneurs fully packed the World Trade Center. The crowd was thrilled listening to power speakers like Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, news anchor Karen Davila, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Cynthia Villar and a host of successful female entrepreneurs. It was a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Month learning about business opportunities and acquiring nuggets of wisdom and inspiration.

These are just a third of the many substantial programs that we had this year, specifically from January to April. We are surely going all the way to carry the mission of empowering Filipinos with entrepreneurial mindset and know-how. Congratulations to all the people who became part of our advocacy. Surely, all of you were able to inspire many people, especially the youth and entrepreneurs. In my next column, highlights of the mid-year activities will be presented.