The College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), in partnership with the Association of Entrepreneurship Students and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Vigan, strengthened the entrepreneurial skills and leadership capabilities of aspiring business leaders through a one-day training workshop for Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship students on November 13, 2026 at the UNP Auditorium.
Carrying the theme, “Empowering future entrepreneurs: Integrating culture, business excellence, gender inclusivity, and leadership for sustainable enterprise development,” the workshop featured four specialized learning sessions led by business practitioners and professionals from JCI Vigan and the City Government of Vigan, who shared their knowledge and practical insights to equip students with essential entrepreneurial competencies and leadership skills.
Dr. Erwin Tolbe, CBAA Dean, welcomed the participants and resource speakers, while Dr. Richel Royce Chan, BS Entrepreneurship Program Head, presented the activity’s rationale, emphasizing the workshop’s objectives and its significance in strengthening students’ entrepreneurial knowledge, professional competencies, and readiness to pursue business ventures.
The morning sessions focused on harnessing cultural heritage as a valuable resource for developing innovative, sustainable, and economically viable business ventures. Ms. Agnes Pilar Atriginio, Senior Tourism Operations Officer and Entrepreneur of the City Government of Vigan, explored how local traditions, cultural assets, and heritage-based resources can be transformed into distinctive business opportunities that generate economic value while preserving the community’s cultural identity.
Complementing this discussion, Ms. Athena Jillian Abigania-Pagarigan, proprietor and manager of Rare Tea House, shared practical knowledge on establishing and sustaining small enterprises, covering essential aspects of startup development, day-to-day business operations, and effective management strategies. Her presentation provided students with a deeper understanding of the challenges and considerations involved in turning entrepreneurial ideas into viable business ventures.
The afternoon sessions centered on promoting inclusivity and developing effective leadership as essential elements of responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship. Mr. Jay Leonard Roldan, City Public Relations and Information Officer of the City Government of Vigan, discussed the importance of gender equality, empowerment, and equitable opportunities in building an entrepreneurial environment where individuals, regardless of gender, can participate, contribute, and succeed. He emphasized the value of creating inclusive business spaces that recognize individual capabilities and provide equal opportunities for growth and advancement.
The final session was facilitated by Ms. Mariela Bianca Acob, JCI Vigan Director for International Affairs. Her discussion focused on the leadership competencies necessary to establish and sustain successful enterprises, highlighting the importance of teamwork, strategic thinking, effective communication, and sound decision-making in navigating business challenges and achieving organizational goals.
Through the collaborative efforts of the academe, local business practitioners, and civic organizations, the workshop exposed students to practical business perspectives and emerging approaches to enterprise development. It aimed to equip future entrepreneurs with the knowledge and competencies to transform cultural heritage into viable business opportunities, adopt effective management strategies, promote gender equality, and demonstrate responsible leadership. Ultimately, the initiative sought to prepare students to establish and manage sustainable enterprises that are not only economically competitive but also socially inclusive and responsive to community needs.
Article by Emman Quilala.
