IN ITS AIM to hone the entrepreneurial and management skills of students, the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy held its annual product exhibit and competition on Feb. 25- 27.

Bearing the theme, \"Unleashing the potential of local resources: A revolution for socially-responsible entrepreneurship\", the trade fair was organized by the Department of Business Administration, particularly the Management 131 (Product Operations and Management) classes.

Joy of Mountains Tea & Muffins, which highlights the use of oregano, an herb known for its nutritional, culinary, and medicinal properties, grabbed the top spot in the food category. Other winners were Mangoes Teens Company and Veggie Herb.

In the non-food category, Keeast Plastic Wares (home products made out of melted Styrofoam) won first place followed by Charcool (charcoal generated from used paper) and Magic Candles (candles of different shapes and colors which, aside from illumination, also serve as deodorizer and insect repellant).

The first place in the service category was won by Sweet Home, a consultancy outfit on interior design.

The products and services were adjudged based on product concept and design, functionality, marketability, viability, and presentation.

The panel of judges was composed of: Mrs. Norma B. Lagmay, Ilocos Norte provincial agriculture officer; engineer Felhander Madriaga; Department of Science and Technology provincial coordinator; engineer Samuel Franco, College of Engineering faculty member; and Dr. Lorma Valera and Prof. Marilyn Domingo, College of Industrial Technology faculty members.

A total of 25 groups of student-entrepreneurs participated in the fair. The products were also exhibited at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall on March 5. (Herdy L. Yumul)