Two teams from the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) landed top positions during the final judging phase of the 18th Search for the Best Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA) held last October 2, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College, Marikina City.
Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), this prestigious event, themed “From Ideas to Fruition: Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem,” offers a platform for students to create innovative business ideas through the development of new products, services, and technologies that benefit the current business environment.
A total of seventy-one (71) entries, categorized into four groups—food, product (non-food), service, and technology—were submitted by teams of students from across the country. Triumphing as Champion in the Non-food Category was team Pawpaw’s Deli, comprising Juliana Dyanne Chua, Pamela Paula Ferrer, Aarich Joshua Laberinto, Leangel Malabanan, and Allen Jo Pascua. With the tagline “From Scraps to Snacks,” their project presents a groundbreaking approach to food waste and the health of pets by transforming scrap vegetables into high-quality, nutritious pet treats. PawPaw’s Deli stemmed from a class project initially called “Vegetapaw” led by students Joshua Batne, Pamela Paula Ferrer, Kim Blossom Marie Fronda, Aarich Joshua Laberinto, Jamie Lee Paje, and Lea May Panas.
Meanwhile, Pawsitivity, consisting of Erika Emanuelle Domingo, Bernadette Guidangen, Jun II Macario, Alyana Gabrielle Natividad, and Geliann Perez, claimed the 1st Runner-up position in the Service Category with their innovative specialized training service for animals. Their presentation introduced a pioneering business model to train stray dogs and cats to become assistance animals for individuals with disabilities or those needing emotional and therapeutic support.
The teams thrived under the mentorship of faculty members Karlo Dacanay, Jordan Tangonan, Atty. Banoar Abratique, SAMCIS Associate Dean April Gumnad, and External Consultant Rod Martin De Vera. Their hands-on approach to providing guidance was instrumental in effectively fine-tuning both teams’ ideas and strategies.
Pawpaw’s Deli and Pawsitivity will receive their awards at the 50th Philippine Business Conference & Expo on October 22, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.
SAMCIS Dean Glory Dela Peña highlighted the significance of championing SAMCIS triumphs by fostering collaboration and pooling in innovation among students from different fields and programs. Their achievements exemplify the true Louisian Spirit, upholding the CICM Advocacy of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education (SDG 4) and 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).
