Tacloban City, Philippines – The two-day annual business conference was held at the People Center and Library from November 5 to 6, bringing together leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders under the theme, “Shaping Tomorrow’s Business: Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Growth in a Sustainable World.” The event served as a platform for meaningful discussions and collaboration among participants from both the public and private sectors.
A highlight of the conference was the simultaneous signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), fellow State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and several private institutions. The partnership signifies a shared commitment to strengthening academic-industry collaboration and advancing initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
MOU Participants:
– Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU)
– Eastern Samar State University
– Southern Leyte State University
– Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception
– Northwest Samar State University
– Biliran Province State University
– Visayas State University
– Catbalogan City Community College
– Saint Thomas Aquinas College
– Palompon Institute of Technology
– Leyte Normal University
– Holy Cross College of Carigara
– Bato Institute of Science and Technology
– Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation
The conference featured distinguished business experts and educators from the Philippines and abroad who shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Among the resource persons were Dr. Wan Nur Fazni Binti Wan Mohamad Nazarie, Senior Faculty Member of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Ina Agustini Murwani of Binus University, Indonesia. Their presentations provided participants with practical strategies and fresh perspectives.
Also gracing the event as keynote speakers were Henry Gosyco, Dr. Faustino Gayas Jr., Atty. Saul Hofileña, Dr. Marichu Armada, Ms. Apple Solaña, Usec. Joseph Francisco Ortega, Hon. Eduardo Ong Jr., and Dr. John Glenn Ocaña, each contributing valuable insights drawn from their respective fields of expertise.
In a keynote message delivered through his representative, CHED Regional Office VIII Director Maximo C. Aljibe encouraged participants to embrace their role in regional business development, stating, “You are the architects of Eastern Visayas’ economic future.”
Adding inspiration to the program, Maria May Petilla, CEO of Green Mile Health Inc., delivered an empowering talk that equipped participants with practical lessons and motivation to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in both their personal and professional journeys.
The conference concluded with a heartfelt presentation from Carla “Karla Estrada” Elago Ford, who shared her authentic branding journey. Through stories of her humble beginnings, she emphasized the importance of family values, authenticity, and responsible social media engagement in building a meaningful and successful personal brand.
As the event came to a close, participants departed with renewed inspiration, strengthened networks, and a deeper appreciation for the role of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in driving sustainable growth. By aiding meaningful dialogue among academe, government, and industry partners, the conference reinforced a collective commitment to shaping a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable business landscape for Eastern Visayas.
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education; SDG 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
via Marifel Sia
