By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

Sophomore students of the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE) bagged awards in the 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Entrepreneurship Education Program (AEEP) that was virtually held last December 13-21. 

Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English students Jan Donyl Suguitan, Hershey Sumalde, Jerlyn Nolasco, Erin Raquino, Beverly Ranes, and Josanne Pascual comprised the winning groups in the AEEP’s social business planning activity.  

Suguitan’s group prevailed second place, obtaining the Excellence Award (Colorful and Cheerful Entrepreneurs) while Sumalde’s group garnered third place, getting the Outstanding Award (Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Entrepreneurs). 

Nolasco’s group got the Judges Award (Entrepreneurs Aiming for Self-Development and Personal Growth) while Raquino and Ranes’ group received the Achievement Award (Caring Entrepreneurs for the Future). Pascual’s group also garnered the Notable Award (Warm-Hearted, Empathetical Entrepreneurs). 

Coached by Mr. Mico T Sacramed, the CTE students were among the 35 participants from APEC member-economies who underwent training on business analysis, planning, and communication skills. 

Organized by the Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea and the Institute of APEC Collaborative Education (IACE), the 2021 AEEP is a week-long capacity-building program designed exclusively for tertiary students in the Asia-Pacific region. 

With the theme “Capacity Building for APEC Youth Social Entrepreneurs: Work and Challenge Together,” the education program aimed to enhance student-participants’ understanding of APEC, knowledge about social entrepreneurship, and individual competencies and skills for employability. 

Prof. Jeanette G. Dials, chief of university’s international faculty and student mobility, said the event ultimately aimed to contribute to broadening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem by inviting the stakeholders and initiate start-ups to solve social problems in the region. (StratCom)