the monitor

YDF prioritises manufacturing, agric sectors

Rakgare PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Rakgare PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

The Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture will prioritise manufacturing, agriculture, and its value chain of agro-ecotourism, technology, and innovation when funding youth this year.

Existing self-financed youth businesses with evidence of proper financial records and attractive prospects for expansion and job creation will also be prioritised. When opening calls for funding youth initiatives, the ministry has said the threshold for the Youth Development Fund (YDF) financing remains at P100,000 for individuals and P450,000 for youth industries and cooperatives.

YDF, under the Youth ministry, is a half-grant and half-loan arrangement in which beneficiaries are expected to repay their loan component to enable government to sustain the programme as a way to demonstrate responsibility and accountability. “Youth entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete application forms and comply with existing programme guidelines.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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