THE MMSU-Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team emerged one of the 16 semi-finalists in the opening round of the 2006 SIFE World Cup held in Paris, France, Sept. 11-13, where 46 teams from all over the world vied for international recognition.

The Philippine Team was composed of Joyce Rallojay (Sociology, CAS), Janill Magano (Biology, CAS), Patrick Sadornas (Accountancy, CBEA), and Nathaniel Alonzo (Computer Science, CAS) who emerged champion in the 2006 SIFE National Exposition at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila last June 16. Ms. Bella Gervacio of the Extension Directorate went with the group to Paris.  She serves as MMSU-SIFE adviser.

It was the first time participants from the Philippines entered into the semi-final round in the six-year participation of the country in the world competition.

During the elimination round, the 46 competing teams were divided into different leagues with mostly five teams in each league.  Team Philippines rivaled in the said round with Senegal, Slovenia, United States of America (USA), and Thailand.  Here, the country’s team ranked first, with USA on the second spot.  The feat advanced the group to the semi-final round where, together  with the 16 other finalists were again divided into leagues.  This time, Team Philippines was grouped with Mexico, China, and Canada.  The participants from China made it in the said round which advanced them to the final round where they emerged SIFE World Cup champions. 

The four-day international competition started Sept. 11 with country parade and exhibits.

The 2006 SIFE World Cup was sponsored by giant multi-national companies such as HSBC, KPMG, Unilever, Cargill, Kraft, Loreal, Pepsico, Poly-America, Coca-cola, and Brambles, among others companies.

According to the group, their experience in the international competition has inspired them all the more to continue searching for better possibilities of helping the shellcraft producers from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte improve their products and consequently help them improve their lives.