Driven by its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable livelihood, the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) spearheaded the “Skills Training on Gourmet Tuyo-Ampalaya cum Production and Market-Oriented Business Ideation” on January 31, 2026, at Brgy. San Mariano (Sallacong), Bantay, Ilocos Sur, equipping local participants with hands-on expertise in food processing, product development, marketing, and business planning to help transform indigenous resources into profitable, market-ready ventures.
With a strong focus on innovation and enterprise, the program was powered by a dedicated team of facilitators who translated theory into practice. Mr. Derik Llanes, Ms. Nes Sobremonte, Mr. Mhel Bayudang, and Ms. Reinier Manalo led the technical and entrepreneurial sessions, while Ms. Grachiel Domingo provided in-depth guidance on product development and market positioning. Participants further benefited from hands-on training in pricing and costing conducted by Mr. Budz Bumanglag, Ms. Jolly Mae Calibuso, and Ms. Jenesis Bugtong, as well as workshops on packaging and labeling facilitated by Ms. Khim Urbano, Mr. Rojay De Jesus, and Ms. Redge Morillo. Through interactive activities and practical demonstrations, the initiative strengthened both the technical competence and business readiness of its participants.
The activity was spearheaded by project coordinators Dr. Eileen Rose Paculan, Dr. May Evelia Ruadap, and Ms. Via Leal, with organizational support from Dr. Scott Jason Llanes and Dr. Nathalie Almero, and facilitation and documentation led by Dr. Marilen Pablico and Dr. Ace Ferrer. Through a series of focused sessions, participants were trained in hygienic food processing, product standardization, quality assurance, packaging, pricing strategies, and product positioning—equipping them with essential technical skills and a solid foundation for entrepreneurship.
A highlight of the program was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Federation of Business Administration Students and Brgy. San Mariano, formalizing a partnership to support community-based livelihood programs and entrepreneurial mentoring. The MOA reflects the shared commitment of the academe and local government to promote sustainable economic growth, self-employment, and inclusive development.
“Naragsak kami ta naayat ti UNP-CBAA nga immay nagisuro ti entrepreneurial skills. Daytoy ket mabalin min nga pagrugyan para ti panagnegosyo. Agyaman kami ti UNP ta adda kastoy nga programa da para kadagiti naduma-duma a barangay kas toy barangay mi,” a participant said to express her gratitude to the University.
Article by Emman Trevor Quilala
