The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Alumni Office spearheaded a hybrid seminar titled “From Challenges to Chances: Empowering Lives with Equal Opportunities through Resilient Entrepreneurship” on December 12, 2025, at the University Auditorium for onsite attendees and streamed via Zoom for online participants.
The seminar aimed to equip students, non-teaching staff, and alumni from the university’s four campuses: Calabanga, Pasacao, Pili, and Sipocot, with entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and sustainable livelihood practices, emphasizing resilience, inclusivity, and innovation as key drivers of personal and economic growth.
The program opened with remarks from University Alumni Director Prof. Josephine A. Red, who highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in starting or improving businesses. She emphasized gender equality in business and the significance of adopting the right attitudes and behaviors to attract customers and sustain enterprises. Prof. Maria Rosario A. Garol led the first session, “Understanding Entrepreneurial Attitudes and Behaviors,” encouraging participants to view challenges as opportunities and stressing traits such as proactiveness, persistence, and resource management as markers of effective leadership.
In the session on Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusive Growth in Business, Dr. Glenn Redecilla challenged gender stereotypes and highlighted women’s contributions to innovation and leadership. Dr. Philip N. Talay, Director of the CBSUA Resilience Center, discussed business resiliency, introducing the ADAPT–REBUILD–THRIVE framework to help enterprises anticipate, withstand, and grow stronger from disruptions. Ms. Christine Ivy C. Ronda presented insights on microfinance and microlending for entrepreneurs and SMEs, while Dr. Imari Meryl S. Roxas shared strategies for Income Generating Projects, underscoring patience, consistency, and reinvestment as keys to business success.
The seminar also featured inspiring alumni success stories. Ms. Cristine S. Salazar, a 2014 BS Mathematics graduate, founded Kuya B’s Mushroom Products Trading, turning agricultural waste into oyster mushrooms and popular snacks that eventually achieved FDA certification. Mr. Noriko Codilana, a 2002 BS Agribusiness graduate, shared his journey from a small campus canteen to a sustainable business, emphasizing resilience and a growth mindset. Ms. Jobie Jane Bautista-Osi, a 2019 Food Technology graduate, turned a pandemic-induced setback into a thriving multi-branch café, employing 17 people and exemplifying disciplined risk-taking and adaptability.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Lendon E. Villote, CBSUA–Sipocot Alumni Coordinator, who encouraged participants to translate their insights into practical ventures, and Mr. Jeffery E. Moreno, the event moderator, who reminded attendees that entrepreneurship is ultimately a mindset of courage and resilience. | 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘯𝘪 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦
