Mapúa MCL Students Bag 3 Awards in International Business Sustainability Initiative Competition
By: Zoe Grace Buergo
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) have once again showcased the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business (ETYCB) students’ exceptional skills and talents in the International Business Sustainability Initiative (IBSI) 2023 with the theme “Digital Transformation for Sustainable Impact: Achieving SDGs in the Digital Age.” The prestigious competition took place virtually on December 21, 2023, hosted by the Faculty of Business and Economics of Universitas Islam Indonesia.
For an impressive three consecutive years, Mapúa MCL students have consistently emerged as top finalists in this competition, demonstrating their expertise and dedication in various fields. In the Business Plan Competition, Group 1’s Intelli-Build Tech, with its group members, Sheane Nicole S. Matias, Ma. Bernice S. Bernales, Judeil S. Magnanao, Andrei A. Ybañez, and Irish Jose G. Estoesta secured the 4th runner-up position, while Group 2’s Musaea Briquettes, with their teams Wendren B. Villarin, Stephanie Claire M. Negrillo, Norika S. Ciocon, Elexali S. Olayvar, and Vanya Christabelle O. Donceras, achieved the 3rd runner-up position. These achievements highlighted the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit of Mapúa MCL students.
Furthermore, in the Essay Competition, Mapúa MCL students, namely Chelsea Andrea P. Pacifico, Ken Marious D. Calvelo, Lance Bersamina, and Lebron James T. Espino, proved their creativity. The essay titled “Unleashing Potential: How Artificial Intelligence Can Equip Food Service MSMEs with Sustainable Business Practices to Thrive in a Technology-Driven Landscape” earned the 2nd Runner-Up position. This essay showcases the deep understanding of artificial intelligence and sustainable business practices.
The ETYCB students’ experience in the competition enhanced problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to think not just for the company but about the company’s contribution to society by implementing plans aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. With the success of the students in the IBSI 2023, they imprinted a life realization to always strive for whatever opportunity comes in and to step out of their comfort zone. The students highlighted that behind the success are the good mentors of Mapúa MCL who have provided them support since the beginning of the competition journey, which made the vision clearer: Prof. Juliezher M. Colaljo and Prof. Donn Enrique L. Moreno.
The Mapúa MCL students’ continuous success in the IBSI competition was a testament to the institution’s dedication to offering excellent education while nurturing students’ abilities to ensure they would be prepared for the global stage. The achievements brought pride to the students and highlighted Mapúa MCL as a leading institution, not just in engineering but in business and economics.
The achievements demonstrated commitment and hard work and serve as an example to the Mapúa MCL community. In a statement, Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice-President for External Relations and Global Linkages mentioned that participation to competitions with global engagement is important for the institution’s advocacy for outcomes-based education. Prof. Mesina emphasized that as students get recognized in these competitions for their excellent performance, it serves as a validation of the knowledge, skills and attitudes that the students demonstrate which are part and parcel of the student outcomes where they are prepared for in their respective programs.