ANNUAL REPORT Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth 2022 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM "Negosyo ng Kabataang Novo Ecijano, Aasenso!"
Table of Content Election of officers YEP Webinar on Vlogging 101 Seminar on Viable Business Ventures to Enhance Sustainable Food Production Organization Profile Target Beneficiaries Components 2022 Accomplishments 2022 YEP HIGHLIGHTS DTI - YEP 1-2 2 3 4 5-6 7 8-9
Table of Content Holy Cross College Wesleyan University - Philippines College of Research and Technology Kurdon LF Calamansi Juice Processing Don’t Talk Clothing Friendship Bread 3's Marias Food Product YEP Milestone Young Entrepreneurs Curriculum Writeshop Acknowledgment DTI - YEP 10-11 12 13 14 15 16-17 18-20 21-22 23-24 25 26
Organization Profile DTI - YEP Republic Act No. 10679 otherwise known as the Youth Entrepreneurship Act mandates the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and MSME Development Council (MSMEDC) to implement a national program to promote youth entrepreneurship development. As a response, the Youth Entrepreneurship Program or YEP was launched as a focused program to address the young demographics of the country to become productive individuals through entrepreneurship. It aspires to help youth develop their entrepreneurial skills by offering them a comprehensive package of interventions. An initiative intended to harness public and private resources and direct these resources to the development of youth entrepreneurship, YEP’s tagline is “Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth!” (HOORAY!). (Source: Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (dti.gov.ph) Page 1 of 27
DTI - YEP Target Beneficiaries In-school youth Youth with disabilities Not in education, employment, or training (NEET) Youth Organization YEP targets to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs aged 18 -30 With the end goal of improving national development, YEP encourages upbeat actions toward strengthening economic independence among individuals. YEP is composed of three components namely, Youth Start, Youth Net, and Youth Match, that take into consideration the DTI 7Ms for MSME development: Mindset Change, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machines, Market Access, and Models of Business. (Source: Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (dti.gov.ph) Page 2 of 27
Youth Start: This component focuses on mindset change and models of business of the DTI 7Ms strategy. It aims to stir the entrepreneurial interest and encourage the youth to start their business ventures. Possible Interventions : Entrepreneurship Seminar and Skills Training Business Registration Assistance Business/Franchise Opportunities Business Ideas (Case Studies) Youth Net: This component focuses on developing mastery of business concepts and strategies as well as providing mentoring support to youth entrepreneurs. It aims to connect youth with the right networks that will support them to overcome startup challenges and exchange innovative ideas. Possible Interventions : Mentoring Sessions Network Activities Assistance on establishing young entrepreneurs organization Youth Match: This component highlights money, provision of machines, and market aspects of the 7Ms framework. It aims to give young entrepreneurs wider access to markets and resources which will bolster their business. Possible Interventions : Business Pitching Business Matching Trade Fair Participation Business Expansion Opportunities YOUT H START YOUTH M ATCH YOUTH NET Components YEP is composed of three components namely, Youth Start, Youth Net, and Youth Match, that take into consideration the following DTI 7Ms strategy for MSME development: Mindset Change, Models of Business, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machines, and Market Access. DTI - YEP (Source: Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (dti.gov.ph) Page 3 of 27
DTI - YEP Page 4 of 27 2022 ACCOMPLISMENTS 139 - MALE 392 - FEMALE 531 YOUTH ASSISTED 515 IN-SCHOOL YOUTH 16 NEET
The election took place via Zoom last August 23, 2022. The program was facilitated by YEP Focal Person, Ms. Debbyriza T. Hidalgo of DTI Nueva Ecija and outgoing President of DTI-YEP Mr. Ferdinand Gabon from College of Research and Technology. The representatives from academe partners introduced themselves followed by the election proper. Through poll voting, the new officers were elected to lead on another year of service and excellence. Ms. Kaye Andres from Wesleyan University Philippines was elected as the President, Mr. Wendell Ancheta of Nueva Ecija University of Science & Technology as the Vice President, Mr. Laurence Adsuara of as the Secretary, San Jose City National High School, Ms. Mary Joy Lampios Central Luzon State University as the Treasurer, and Mr. Jaypee Hilario of College for Research and Technology. DTI - YEP ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2022 YEP HIGHLIGHTS Page 5 of 27
The rest of the students who participated in the election were designated as YEP representatives of partner schools, namely: Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science & Technology, College for Research and Technology, PHINMA-Araullo University, Wesleyan University - Philippines, Aski Skills and Knowledge Institute Inc, San Jose City National High School, and Holy Cross College - Santa Rosa. The Department of Trade and Industry - Youth Entrepreneurship Program (DTI-YEP) will continue its legacy to provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs to hone their knowledge and skills and be prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow as they enter the corporate world in the near future. 2022 YEP HIGHLIGHTS DTI - YEP ELECTION OF OFFICERS Page 6 of 27 ...from pg. 5
DTI - YEP Ms. Romboanga, founder and owner of Knights of Online Marketers, a virtual assistant coach, and a digital marketing assistant, covered the fundamentals, components, and tactics of what a video content creator needs to know. The fundamental steps to being a successful content creator, including target audience, platform, content plan, and business/brand voice, are among the subjects covered. The participants are informed about these so they would be knowledgeable enough to understand the basis of marketing. Integrating social media and commercial applications can increase the vulnerability and success of young entrepreneurs. Ms. D. T. Hidalgo delivered a closing message to conclude the webinar. The Department of Trade and Industry - Nueva Ecija conducted a Webinar on Vlogging 101 on August 30, 2021 via Zoom Cloud meeting, with a total of 24 participants (13 female and 11 male). This activity was facilitated by Ms. Debbyriza T. Hidalgo of the Business Development Division of DTI Nueva Ecija with the help of YEP-NE officers. The activity aims to educate prospective young entrepreneurs on vlogging through the guest speaker, Ms. Piper Romboanga. 2022 YEP HIGHLIGHTS YEP WEBINAR ON VLOGGING 101 BY: LAURENCE MIGUEL P. ADSUARA (SAN JOSE CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL) Page 7 of 27
2022 YEP HIGHLIGHTS SEMINAR ON VIABLE BUSINESS VENTURES TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION Last September 13, 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) in partnership with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) e-farm Academy and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, conducted a seminar on viable business ventures with the theme “Planning General Step Assessment of the Environment in Terms of Opportunities and Threats, and Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses. The said event was held at CLSU Multi-purpose Gym and attended by Second Year and few Fourth Year Entrepreneurship students of CLSU. The activity was spearheaded by the DTI-YEP Focal Person, Ms. Debbyriza Hidalgo. Mrs. Divina Gracia A. Vergara, Head of Entrepreneurship Department, delivered introductory words to welcome the guests, speakers, and attendees, and Mr. Kristian Del Rosario of Globe Philippines gave a brief discussion about Globe EC Pay, an application used for online payment and purchase of load which can be an extra source of income for the students. DTI - YEP Page 8 of 27 BY: MARY JOY T. LAMPIO (CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY)
DTI - YEP 2022 YEP HIGHLIGHTS The seminar proper then started with the discussion by the resource speaker, Mr. James Paul Labindao about preparing a business plan and establishing an agriculture-based business which focuses on SWOT Analysis, giving knowledge to the participants about eliminating risks of losing money on poor business idea, different approaches to the financial aspect of the business, and evaluation of actual performance against set targets. Before the end of the program, both speakers and participants were given certificates of appreciation. Page 9 of 27 SEMINAR ON VIABLE BUSINESS VENTURES TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION ...from pg. 8
As some people says, it was never to early or young to build an empire. The DTI YEP Nueva Ecija as a young entrepreneur's organization continues to bring months of preparation with the help of their advisers, Ms. Debbyriza T. Hidalgo and Ms. Janikha Ann F. Linsangan, DTI YEP focal persons. DTIYEP NE was able to hold one of their biggest and most successful events this year, the first ever "Young Entrepreneurs Summit," on October 28, 2022 in NEUST Hostel Hall Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija with the theme "Negosyo ng Kabataang Novo Ecijano, Aasenso". Dr. Richard Simangan, Provincial Director of DTI-Nueva Ecija, Dr. Feliciana Jacoba, President of NEUST, and Dr. Reynato Arimbuyutan, Chairman of Nueva Ecija MSME Development Council graced the said occasion. Deans and faculties from NEUST, HCC, ASKI, CRT, WUP, PHINMA-AU, and CLSU were also present with more than 150 student attendees from different academe partners. Ms. Erlie Amado Pastor from CRT And Mr. Jaylon Vicencio from NEUST hosted the event. The Young Entrepreneurs Summit’s first segment began with the recognition of YEP Nueva Ecija Officers AY 2021-2023 and the Induction of YEP Nueva Ecija Officers AY 2021-2022. Simultaneously, the students showcased their creativity as young entrepreneurs as they participated in the mini-trade fair. A total of 52 uniquely made products were proudly exhibited by the young Novo Ecijano entrepreneurs. DTI - YEP Page 10 of 27 BY: KAYE T. ANRES & KIM CLARISSE ZABAT (WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - PHILIPPINES) YEP MILESTONE NEGOSYO NG KABATAANG NOVO ECIJANO, AASENSO
The event featured not just product expo but also capacitated the youth though seminar on business registrations and implementation. Successful young entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of DTI YEP: Ms. Angelica Cabanilla, Ms. Cassandra Santos, Mr. Ernesto Perlas, and Mr. John Benedict Abello delivered their testimonials to inspire the youths. DTI - YEP Page 11 of 27 YEP MILESTONE NEGOSYO NG KABATAANG NOVO ECIJANO, AASENSO Commenced the second part of the event with awarding ceremonies and subsequently the seminar. The resource speakers were Dr. Kenneth Armas of NEUST on business implementation, Ms. Rosemarie Reyes, President of ALONE on topic, business permit registration, and Ms. Crystal S. Cariazo of BIR on BIR registrations and requirements. Concluded the seminar with the awarding of certificate of appreciations and closing remarks by Mr. Gerald Dennis S. Suyayen, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist of DTI Nueva Ecija. ...from pg. 10
BY: LESLIE C. RAMOS AND CJ STEPHANIE FERNANDEZ (HOLY CROSS COLLEGE) Leslie C. Ramos and Cj Stephanie Fernandez representatives from Holy Cross College shared their experience on the said event as the Young Entrepreneurs' Society led by their adviser Mr. Al John P. Marcelino CFPP, LPT together with the BSBA Faculty of Holy Cross College extends their full support and active participation on the first ever Young Entrepreneurs Summit. The said organization was tremendously overwhelmed for the opportunity and privileged to be part of this wonderful event. DTI - YEP Page 12 of 27 ACADEME PARTNERS ON YEP MILESTONE
WU-P Junior Marketing Association (WU-P JMA) is delighted to be part of the first-ever YEP SUMMIT, and they are honored to have one of JMA's officers, Ms. Kaye Andres, as the project head and President of the said youth organization, and Ms. Kim Clarisse Zabat as WU-P's representative for two years in a row. Sir Jelwin Bautista, Dean of the WU-P College of Business and Administration, also graced the event and serve as one of the judges of the exhibit special awards. It was a fun experience for all the WU-P JMA's officers aside from the knowledge acquired, there's also a lot of fun interactions with other universities and games hosted by DTI YEP officers. DTI - YEP Page 13 of 27 BY: KAYE T. ANRES & KIM CLARISSE ZABAT (WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - PHILIPPINES) ACADEME PARTNERS ON YEP MILESTONE
College for Research and Technology (CRT), a DTI academe partner, was invited to participate in the first ever DTI Nueva Ecija YEP summit. Mr. Jaypee Hilario, a student of CRT and elected YEP auditor, and Ms. Erlie Pastor as the college's representative. ACADEME PARTNERS ON YEP MILESTONE BY: ERLIE PASTOR & JAYPEE HILARIO (COLLEGE OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY) CRT was able to gather fifteen students, along with two faculty members Mr. John Louie Reyes and Ms. Monica Claire Data. They happily participated in the interactive program; furthermore, they gained knowledge from various speakers and entrepreneurs, as they aspire to be one someday. According to Ms. Janine Reyes, she hopes that CRT continue as active DTI-YEP partner every year. DTI - YEP Page 14 of 27
Young Entrepreneurs KURDON I'm Jaycee Anne M. Bucsit, and I'm part of the Kurdon team. During the pandemic, one of my friends decided to make something marketable while also enhancing his creativity as a fine arts student at UP Baguio. He didn't expect that the demand would be that high, so he asked for our assistance if we wanted to pursue Kurdon, which we saw as an opportunity and believed on its potential as a business. Furthermore, we wanted to promote eco-friendly products since the bracelet we are selling are handmade and made of cord wax. We want to conserve the environment by promoting sustainable products and supporting small and local businesses. Because we are frequently invited in events in Rizal and had access to social media, The “Kurdon” quickly gained recognition in our community. As a result, we were able to reach a big market at once. Additionally, we grabbed the opportunity to participate in DTI Trade Fairs in Cabanatuan, Rizal and San Jose City. We were able to established good relationship with both customers and other MSME exhibitors. It was also a great opportunity to show how to make Kurdon products through a hands-on demo during the fair. Being invited to participate at trade fairs is a huge opportunity, and such events helped us learn more about the business industry. DTI - YEP Page 15 of 27
Young Entrepreneurs LF CALAMANSI JUICE PROCESSING I am Ian Joshua F. Santiago, owner of LF Calamansi Juice Processing in Sumacab Sur, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. As the son of a calamansi farmer, I witnessed the problem of oversupply of calamansi fruit during its peak season. I am thinking of different ways on how to properly process fresh calamansi fruits to extend its shelf life and add value to it, however my knowledge was limited.. While browsing on my social media account, I saw the post of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Nueva Ecija about the schedule of their capability trainings. One of which is all about calamansi juice preservation, and without any hesitations, I quickly confirmed my participation to Business Counselor Cheryl Tejada of Negosyo Center Cabanatuan City. After the training, I learned different knowledge and techniques from the experts and was guided by DTI through the YEP and NegoCenter Cabanatuan on how to properly process calamansi fruits. Using that knowledge and techniques, I successfully developed different products out of fresh calamansi fruits. With this agribusiness, I won the Young Farmers Challenge 2022, Provincial level competition by the Department of Agriculture. And with the continuous assistance of DTI YEP and Nego Center Cabanatuan City on product development and marketing, I am already selling my calamansi-based products online and at DTI trade fairs. . Thank you very much DTI. DTI - YEP Page 16 of 27
Young Entrepreneurs LF CALAMANSI JUICE PROCESSING Training on Food and Beverage Preservation Taas Noo Novo Ecijano TF & Coop. Month ( Aug.31-Sept.1-6,’22 & Oct.20-24’22) Young Farmers Challenge Awardee DTI - YEP Page 17 of 27 ...from pg. 16
Young Entrepreneurs SGT CLOTHING SHOP (DON’T TALK CLOTHING) I am Sean Gerald A. Tardaguila , owner of Don’t Talk Clothing in San Isidro Nueva Ecija. Don’t Talk clothing started in 2019, at first I am worried if my chosen business would thrive. I started by thinking of the designs and my brand Don’t Talk Clothing. We were once in a middle of class with my noisy classmates when I thought of setting up my own brand since I couldn't think of a business name and considering the noise, "don’t talk" entered my mind so after our class and I was waiting for the next class I tried to sketch designs that I can start so that I can make a sample shirt and start selling. DTI - YEP Page 18 of 27
Young Entrepreneurs SGT CLOTHING SHOP (DON’T TALK CLOTHING) I BUILD MY OWN SHOP (2020) From our old store, I was able to build my own shop using the initial income but with pandemic, I had to temporarily stopped operations. But with my perseverance I was able to to showcase my products through NEUST and DTI YEP Nueva Ecija. ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY That day, we brought our products to NEUST for the DTI YEP Product Assessment and Cliniquing, and I was pleased because many of the students, teachers, and DTI representatives Ms. Debby and Ms. Janikha were impressed with my ability to start a clothing business at a young age. YOUTH ENTREPRENUER PROGRAM The same day, I was selected to attend the DTI Trade Fair at NE Pacific Mall. We were oriented about the programs and services of the DTI YEP and how to register my business. DTI - YEP Page 19 of 27 ...from pg. 18
Young Entrepreneurs SGT CLOTHING SHOP (DON’T TALK CLOTHING) BIDA MSME TRADE FAIR 2022 Big shout out to DTI Nueva Ecija for giving me the opportunity to participate and gain more knowledge and fellowship with other businessmen during the one-week selling at NE Pacific Mall, shout out to Business Counselor Elizabeth for assisting me so that I could get a DTI business name certificate, and to Ma'am Debby for assisting me and endorsing me for an interview at the Nueva Ecija Radio Station. “SUMUBOK KAHIT MAY PAGKAKAMALI, MAGPATULOY HANGGAT MAY NANINIWALA” -Don’t Talk Clothing DTI - YEP Page 20 of 27 ...from pg. 19
This small business provides jobs to youths who have no source of income and also helped in-school youths and supports them financially for their needs. These young entrepreneurs resides in two adjacent barangays and were friends since they were young, thus they thought of branding the products "friendship bread". They were able to build the bakery with the help of their parents who are members of the Yakap at Halik Agriculture Cooperative of Nueva Ecija, which lent capital without interest. Young Entrepreneurs FRIENDSHIP BREAD Friendship Bread was formed by the young believers of faith Samahan ng Tatlong Persona Solo Diyos (STPSD) and it started during the pandemic. We grabbed the opportunity of putting up a bakery to supply breads in the community given the lockdown limitations where most of us are not allowed to travel. BEFORE AFTER DTI - YEP Page 21 of 27
Through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), the Department of Trade and Industry Nueva Ecija visited the production site last October 10, 2022 and conducted a product clinic to improve the products' packaging and labeling and also the taste and texture. DTI YEP believes that the products are marketable, especially the “OTAP”. After improving the products’ packaging, labeling, taste, and texture, Friendship Bread was invited to Cooperative Month Trade Fair, their first time to showcase their products out of the barangay. They enjoyed the experience and almost everyday their products were sold out. They were thankful to the City Livelihood and Cooperative Development Office for introducing them to DTI. Also, they were thankful to the DTI YEP for the opportunity given to them and for improving their products. They were also thankful for the future plan of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program for their organization like the upcoming training, seminars, and trade fairs. Young Entrepreneurs FRIENDSHIP BREAD Cooperative Month Trade Fair October 20-24, 2022 DTI - YEP Page 22 of 27 ...from pg. 21
Angelica Cabanilia, owner of 3's Marias Food Products, located at Brgy. Sagaba, Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija. She was the first beneficiary of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) of DTI Nueva Ecija (DTI NE) in 2021. Young Entrepreneurs 3'S MARIAS FOOD PRODUCTS DTI - YEP Page 23 of 27 She started her business when she was in first year college, her first product was Graham Balls. Her income was used as additional school allowance and for purchasing books needed for her study. But when the pandemic started, just like other business, she stopped for the mean time. Then later on, she shifted on making homemade peanut butter. At that time, she just considered selling it to their neighbors as her target market. Luckily, they patronized her products. She chose to make peanut butter because she believed that this is not just seasonal, being an all-time favorite spread of Filipinos. She started with a capital of P500 which yielded 10 jars of peanut butter, sold for P120 each and payable within a week. It took time when she realized that her products are sold for reselling outside the municipality. The profits she earned were used to increase her production. And now, her weekly production increased to 50 jars, not to mention sudden orders and order of her resellers. Her customers are lower class up to middle class of the economy most especially mothers who prefer affordable yet quality products. As of now, 3's Marias reaches its sales target and minimum number of orders per week, or even higher sometimes. BY: BC LOVELY A. FLORES, NEGOSYO CENTER STO. DOMINGO
She was very grateful to DTI YEP NE and Nego Center for their help in improving her product through development, from the improvement of the taste to the logo and packaging. And was able to join several Trade Fairs (TF) facilitated by DTI NE particularly MSMES NC TF last November 17 to 21, 2021, Women's Month TF, March 17 to 21, 2022 and BIDA MSMES NCTF last November 2 to 6, 2022 . The TF aims to showcase her product and attract more market. She was also a beneficiary of One Town, One Product (OTOP) for year 2022. And was also provided with a rice store business kit as a beneficiary of the DTI Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program. She was very thankful that because of her product, she was able to support her family. She appreciates all the help of the DTI Nueva Ecija. She dreams to have her products be known and sold not only in the Philippines but also globally. Ms. Angelica Cabanilla with BC Lovely Flores, and Mayor Imee De Guzman of LGU Sto. Domingo during awarding of livelihood kits. DTI - YEP Page 24 of 27 Young Entrepreneurs 3'S MARIAS FOOD PRODUCTS Awarding of OTOP New Improved product label design of 3’s Marias. ...from pg. 23
DTI - YEP Page 25 of 26 YEP CURRICULUM WRITESHOP In continued support and partnership, USAID Opportunity 2.0 (O2) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) worked together in a two-day Writeshop on November 24-25, 2022 in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu to align the curricula of O2 to DTI programs such as YEP and Kapatid Mentor ME Program with the aim of assisting more BY: MS. DEBBYRIZA T. HIDALGO, YEP FOCAL PERSON valuable out-of-school youths to become productive members of society through entrepreneurship. The said activity was participated by DTI YEP Focal Persons from 17 Regions, with Ms. Debbyriza T. Hidalgo as representative of Region III. DTI-7 Regional Director Marie Elena Arbon graced the opening ceremonies as she expressed DTI’s support for the continued partnership with USAID O2 to provide vulnerable Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) with better education, employment, and livelihood. She highlighted the importance of building a better entrepreneurial ecosystem for the four million untapped human resources from the youth sector and shared the different programs of DTI particularly on enabling youth entrepreneurship. Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, Director of the Office of Education, USAID was also present and delivered his message of support for this two-day activity. The YEP focal persons and the O2 Master Trainers streamlined the three Curricula of USAID Opportunity 2.0 (Work-Ready-Now, Be Your Own Boss, and Design Thinking for Entrepreneurship) which will then be branded for the DTI-Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) as a standardized training course for implementation nationwide starting 2023.
DTI - YEP Page 26 of 26 ACKNOWLEDGMENT RICHARD V. SIMANGAN, PhD Provincial Director, DTI Nueva Ecija Editorial Adviser DEBBYRIZA T. HIDALGO, MBA KAYE ANDRES Editor-In-Chief Layout & Graphic Design CONTRIBUTORS Laurence Miguel P. Adsuara, San Jose City National High School Mary Joy T. Lampios , Central Luzon State University Kaye Andres, Wesleyan university - Philippines Kim Clarisse Zabat, Wesleyan university - Philippines Leslie C. Ramos, Holy Cross College Cj Stephanie Fernandez, Holy Cross College Erlie Pastor, Research and Technology Jaypee Hilario, College of Research and Technology Jonathan Mark Dagdag, Business Counselor of Nego Center Rizal Nueva Ecija Cheryl Tejada, Business Counselor of Nego Center Cabanatuan City Elizabeth Cruz, Business Counselor of Nego Center San Isidro Janikha Ann Linsangan, Business Counselor of Nego Center Cabanatuan City Lovely Flores, Business Counselor of Nego Center Sto. Domingo Debbyriza T. Hidalgo, YEP Focal Person