By Niña Christelle Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

Students from MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE) bagged top spots at the 3rd International Business Case Competition. The event, held online from October 18 to 30, was organized by Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa in Indonesia. 

The annual competition invites students from around the world to present innovative solutions with the theme “The Triple Bottom Line: Maximizing Profit, People, and Planet with Technology.”

The winning proposal titled, “KALAHIdoscope: A Spectrum of the Empowered,” was developed by English majors Axl Monique Papel, Benedict Jay Collado, and Lhourd Steve Catiwa which focuses on leveraging technology to support sustainability and social empowerment. 

KALAHIdoscope is a social enterprise model that empowers women who have experienced domestic abuse by involving them in the production of artisanal products such as handcrafted jewelry and sustainable home decor. By partnering with Nurani Perempuan, a women’s crisis center, the initiative not only provides employment and training but also builds a supportive community for women. Furthermore, this project aims to raise awareness of domestic violence, provide economic stability, and promote environmental responsibility through ethical, community-driven business practices.

Meanwhile, Manilyn Blessy Anne Lucas, Princess Joy Ablao, and Rhonlei Dajugar, won second place with their project, “KaHabiGan: Weaving Friendships and Creativity.” 

The proposal establishes a marketplace for local handmade crafts by involving inmates in the production process. The initiative’s name, derived from the Filipino words for “friends” and “woven,” reflects its goal of reducing the stigma associated with former prisoners by providing vocational training and fair wages. In addition, KaHabiGan promotes ethical production practices, helps address labor shortages, and aids in the successful reintegration of former inmates into society which aligns with Indonesia’s National Human Rights Action Plan.

Mr. Michael Sacramed, CTE faculty member, served as their coach, along with Prof. Jeanette Dials, MMSU chief of international faculty and student mobility, as their consultant.

This year’s accomplishments follow the success of Gaven Christian Contreras, Joshua Barruga, and William Curading who won in 2022 with their proposal, “Likhabi: Stroke of Culture” in the same competition.