Saint Louis University (SLU), through the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), brought home top awards from the 19th Business Idea Development Awards (BIDA) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on 29 September 2025, in Taguig City.
Two SLU teams– from the SAMCIS- Accountancy, Business Laws and Taxation Department and SAMCIS-Entrepreneurship HRD, Marketing and Management Department– “Rootini” and “TAGriculture” emerged as winners in their respective categories, proving the strength of Louisians in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation.
Rootini, developed by Juliana Dyanne R. Chua, Anne Karylle V. Dela Cruz, Jeffrey P. Rendon Jr., Chloe A. Melgar, and Lance Denver O. Landingin, was hailed as the Overall Champion in the Food Category. The project transforms Benguet’s vegetable oversupply into creative plant-based food alternatives such as Rootini Rolls, Sheets, Twirls, Drizzles, and Chews. Guided by Prof. April Macasieb-Gumnad, Prof. Jordan Tangonan, and Prof. Karlo S. Dacanay, Rootini advances multiple SDGs including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), among others.
TAGriculture, created by Mary Kathlyn P. Tudlong, Lhea Isabel A. Corpuz, Hyowon Arzil B. Barnabe, John Michael C. Garcia, and Liram Chaad B. Montes, secured the 2nd Runner-Up Award in the Technology Category. This RFID-based livestock management and B2B e-commerce platform empowers farmers with real-time tracking, transparency, and stronger market connections. Mentored by Prof. Gumnad, Prof. Tangonan and Prof. Dacanay, TAGriculture aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
These victories affirm SLU’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, cultivating future leaders who transform challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth, sustainability, and community empowerment. (Article and Photos by SAMCIS and SLU Young Entrepreneurs’ Society)
