16-17 July 2026
In response to CHED-CAR Regional Memorandum No. 127, s. 2026, encouraging higher education institutions to participate in the 48th National Disability Rights Week Celebration, the Benguet State University (BSU) Office of Student Services (OSS), through its Support Services for Students with Special Needs and Persons with Disabilities (SSSNPD)/Affirmative Action Unit, conducted a two-day Entrepreneurship and Bookkeeping Training.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “Rights First, Legislation Forward: Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,” the activity highlighted BSU’s commitment to promoting inclusive education by providing students with disabilities and those facing financial challenges with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial competencies that support their academic journey and future livelihood.
The program seeks to help students generate additional income to support their educational expenses and daily needs while promoting financial independence and academic success.
The training officially opened with a message from TESDA Benguet Provincial Director Arlene A. Kadalig, who expressed her appreciation to the OSS for partnering with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in implementing the program.
Kadalig congratulated the participants for becoming the first batch of beneficiaries under the initiative and encouraged them to maximize the opportunity to acquire practical bookkeeping skills. She explained that TESDA’s bookkeeping program consists of competency-based training followed by assessment leading to the National Certificate (NC) qualification, which is recognized locally and internationally.
She also informed the participants that TESDA scholarship programs provide free training, assessment, training supplies, and allowances for qualified scholars, particularly residents of Benguet. She encouraged students to visit the TESDA Provincial Office in Wangal to inquire about additional scholarship opportunities and skills training programs available to them.
Serving as the workshop trainer and lecturer was Mary B. Rufina, TESDA Bookkeeping Trainer, who facilitated interactive sessions on the fundamentals of bookkeeping and business management. Participants were introduced to the essential principles of entrepreneurship, proper business practices, common operational mistakes, and the importance of maintaining accurate business records and financial documents.
In her closing message, OSS Director Erlyn Honeylette C. Marquez thanked TESDA, particularly Provincial Director Arlene A. Kadalig and trainer Mary B. Rufina, for their continued partnership in empowering BSU students through skills development. She also acknowledged the efforts of the OSS focal persons who facilitated the implementation of the activity.
Marquez emphasized that the bookkeeping training marks only the beginning of a series of capacity-building activities that OSS will conduct in collaboration with TESDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She encouraged the participants to continue attending future training sessions, noting that the next phase of the program will involve the establishment and operation of their respective business ventures while they continue their studies.
She concluded by congratulating the participants and expressing hope that the initiative would become the foundation of their entrepreneurial journey and contribute to their personal, academic, and financial growth.//NBSudaypan
