Benguet State University (BSU) joined the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) by holding its own event for entrepreneurship students on October 8-11, 2024. The GEW celebrates the concept of inspiring people to start their own business.

The Department of Entrepreneurship, under the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET), launched its GEW 2024 with the theme “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone: Developing a Customer-Centric Mindset” at the BSU Marketing Center Parking Lot.

During the opening program, VP for Business Affairs Norma P. Banania shared her insights on entrepreneurship and the rationale of the event.

“The celebration is more of the entrepreneurial empowerment, not only for students, but to all our stakeholders in the university,” she said.

Banania added that this is not just about celebration, but it is about bringing out the best among the students and stakeholders who come together not to compete, but to show their creative innovation.

CHET Faculty Member Jeftee Ben B. Pinos-an remarked that the GEW is a worldwide event that occurs every November. However, due to the change in the academic calendar, adjustments were made. He also emphasized that discussing entrepreneurship involves the experiences that come with it.

Likewise, Department of Entrepreneurship Chairperson Michael Karl M. Barnuevo reiterated that the event aims to showcase talent, and exercise creativity and innovation through product development whether in food or apparel. He also presented the lineup of activities for the GEW.

After the opening program, several activities took place including the Entrep Talks featuring Allan Y. Diaz, the owner of D’Exodus Gastropub and co-owner of Baguio Craft Brewery; Premetevo Veloria II, the owner of the House of Prevo; John Forian B. Avila, the co-owner of Le Jar De Trinidad; and Jenny B. Timbol, the owner of Ellebanna Aklang Handicrafts. The guests shared their experiences, challenges, and ideas to inspire the students in pursuing their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs.

This was followed by a food carving competition and talent show to showcase the students’ skills and creativity. A booth was also set up to show the students products.

On the second day, students engaged with Panomporn Chalermwan through an online discussion that focused on a consumer-centric mindset. Chalermwan is a Professor at Maejo University in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. She is also the Deputy Director of Technology Business Incubation and Innovation Ecosystem Development at Maejo Agro Food Park and an Internal Quality Assessor for the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance. Chalermwan discussed the strategies for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Afterwards, a business pitching competition was held where students presented their business concepts to a panel of judges.

On the third day, students demonstrated their skills and talents through the market basket competition and the project runway competition. The market basket competition highlighted the students’ culinary skills while the project runway showcased their creativity in designing and tailoring clothes.

On the last day, the students showed their grace and confidence as they presented their designs through a fashion show competition. This activity was graced by Ephraim Paul Paran, Mr. Philippines 2018 4th Runner Up. Paran mentioned that everyone should empower the entrepreneurs to do more and to be more. He also hoped that BSU will promote the fashion industry and the textile of the Cordilleras.

Winners of the various GEW competitions were then recognized in the awarding of certificates followed by a raffle draw.

BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila showed his support to the GEW by inspiring the students to explore entrepreneurship which aligns with his personal advocacy.

The GEW in BSU ended with remarks from CHET Faculty Member Lesley Dale Umayat. He said that even though the GEW has ended, entrepreneurs should continue with what has been started. He wished blessings for everyone’s entrepreneurial ideas. Umayat also encouraged entrepreneurs to understand and learn about the customers and target market, and to create products that meet their needs.//BTayaban