LAOAG CITY, Nov. 28 -- Young Ilocano entrepreneurs Precious Jamorabon, Jhem Kharl Molina, and Marvin Xavier Vea from the towns of Burgos and Solsona boosted their confidence to pursue their business ideas after emerging as grand prize winners in the Ilocos Norte government's annual Best Business Concept competition.

The contest is part of the provincial Micro, Small, Medium and Enterprise Office (MSMEO)'s mentoring program, which helps startups and local entrepreneurs refine promising concepts through expert guidance and coaching.

Open to all bona fide Ilocos Norte residents, the program aims to entice more Ilocanos to venture into business and take part in boosting the province's economy. The search has two categories -food and non-foo...