Filipino youth collaborating on innovative projects
Mental Wellness Awareness event
Mental Wellness Awareness Campaign
YFI presentation
Youth team event
YFI speaker presentation
Award-winning youth-led NGO

Fostering Innovation,
Empowering the Youth

Since 2015

A youth-led NGO dedicated to youth empowerment and social innovation in the Philippines

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Years Active
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Youth Empowered
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Projects Launched
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Awards Won

What We Do

We nurture the innovative ideas of young individuals and provide them with the necessary training to build their capacity to take social action in creating a positive impact in Nation-Building while transitioning towards social entrepreneurship for sustainability.

Nurture Innovative Ideas

We support young individuals in developing their creative solutions and turning ideas into actionable projects.

Build Their Capacity

Through training and mentorship, we strengthen the skills and abilities needed to create lasting impact.

Take Social Action

We empower youth to contribute to nation-building through meaningful community engagement and initiatives.

Social Entrepreneurship

We guide initiatives toward sustainability and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Featured Video

See YFI In Action

Scenes from Produkto Lokal Weekend Fair, held at City Time Square Iloilo, Iloilo Gaisano City Center, June 16-18 2017. An event of Youth First Initiative Philippines Inc.

How Youth Empowerment Happens at YFI

Youth empowerment only happens when there is a commitment to these three essential pillars

Capacity-Building

Developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world.

The process of developing and strengthening the skills and resources needed to thrive. - United Nations

Opportunities to be Involved

Providing various ways for individuals to contribute through volunteering, membership, advocacy, donations, partnerships, educational programs, and community engagement.

Sharing of Resources

Providing access to tools, knowledge, and materials such as funding, expertise, data, technology, facilities, training, and networks to support our mission and enhance collective impact.

Awards & Recognition

Our commitment to youth empowerment and social innovation has been recognized by leading organizations in the Philippines

2022

Outstanding Volunteer Award

PNVSCA & NEDA VI

Recognized for exceptional volunteer service and contribution to community development in Western Visayas.

2020

Most Outstanding Youth Organization

Villar SIPAG Poverty Reduction Challenge

One of ten organizations honored by the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation & Governance for impact in poverty reduction.

2019

TAYO Finalist

Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations

Recognized as a finalist for our flagship project 'Produkto Lokal' supporting local MSMEs and products in Western Visayas.

Our Programs

Empowering Filipino youth through targeted initiatives that foster innovation and create lasting community impact

Flagship Program

Produkto Lokal

Our award-winning initiative that supports and promotes locally-owned small businesses (MSMEs) and local products in Western Visayas.

Impact
Helped 100+ local businesses expand their reach and increase sales
Active

Youth Leadership Development

Comprehensive training programs designed to equip young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive social change.

Impact
Trained 500+ youth leaders across the Philippines
Growing

Innovation Hub

A collaborative space where young innovators can develop, prototype, and launch social enterprises that address community challenges.

Impact
Supported 25+ social innovation projects from concept to launch

Our Partners & Collaborators

Working together with leading organizations to strengthen the startup ecosystem and empower Filipino youth

Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI)

YFI and DOST VI formalized a partnership in February 2025 to create a pipeline of new startups and strengthen the startup ecosystem in Western Visayas.

FyrLab Accelerator

YFI collaborates with the FyrLab Accelerator to amplify youth-led innovation. FyrLab was represented at the #SpringboardAmplifier Programme, an initiative of Youth Co:Lab, UNDP, and Citi Foundation.

PCCI Iloilo and UMWAD Visayas

These organizations are collaborators in YFI and FyrLab's multi-institutional startup acceleration program in Western Visayas.

MindShift Initiative

This initiative has been mentioned in connection with YFI activities, particularly through its director.

Provincial Population and Social Welfare Office (PPSK) Iloilo Province

YFI has partnered with PPSK Iloilo to assist youth in the province.

Youth Co:Lab, UNDP, and Citi Foundation

Through the FyrLab Accelerator, YFI is part of this program, which fosters youth-led innovation and provides mentorship and networking opportunities.

Get Involved

Join us in empowering the next generation of Filipino innovators and changemakers

Volunteer

Join our events and initiatives to make a direct impact in communities

Become a Member

Be part of our youth-led organization and shape our future programs

Partner With Us

Collaborate on projects that create meaningful social change

Support Our Mission

Contribute resources to help us empower more Filipino youth

Contact Information

Location

Western Visayas, Philippines

We typically respond within 2-3 business days. Feel free to reach out with any questions about volunteering, partnerships, or our programs.