Student leaders from the College of Management (CM) made a strong mark on the national stage after securing top honors in the first-ever Philippine Economics Situationer Case Study Competition 2026, held at the University of the Philippines- Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga (UPDEPP).

Organized by the UP Association of Economics Students, the inaugural competition was launched as part of Econ Week 2026, held from April 13 to 18. It gathered undergraduate student organizations from economics and business programs across Central Luzon, challenging them to analyze real-world economic issues and present data-driven policy recommendations.

Competing against participants from various institutions, two CM-led teams stood out for their research-driven and practical solutions addressing challenges in the country’s agriculture sector—particularly the ube industry.

The Future Hotel and Restaurant Managers Society (FHARMS) emerged as champion with their case study titled “From Root to Riches: A Climate-Resilient Ube Supply Chain Framework for the Philippines.” The study proposed a sustainable and resilient supply chain model aimed at strengthening ube production amid the growing threats of climate change. The winning team of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students is composed of Jamilah T. Arazo, Mark Gerald L. Ferrer, Janlius Jan G. Fajardo, and Mark Adrian M. Calma.

Meanwhile, the College of Management Student Council (CMSC) earned the 1st Runner-Up title with their entry, “From Scarcity to Sustainability: A National Strategy for Ube Planting Material Development.” The team proposed long-term strategies to address the shortage of quality ube planting materials and support agricultural productivity. The CMSC team is composed of Cristine Mae E. Ortiz (BSHM), Jun H. Tablate (BSAB), Michelle L. Tecson (BSHM), and Jhon Kevin O. Vicente (BSHM).

The student delegations were accompanied by faculty advisers Ms. Anabel A. Alayon, CMSC Adviser; Ms. Aisanne Sales-McNatt, SME Adviser; and Mr. Rosh Lemuel Naluz, FHARMS Adviser, all from the College of Management. Their guidance and mentorship contributed to the teams’ preparation and overall performance in the competition. Beyond the awards, the achievement highlights the power of student-led research in delivering practical solutions and reinforces the role of young leaders in advancing a more resilient and sustainable Philippine economy.

#SDG2ZeroHunger
#SDG4QualityEducation
#SDG8DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth
#SDG9IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure
#SDG12ResponsibleConsumptionAndProduction
#SDG13ClimateAction
#SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals

Photo credit: College of Management Student Council (CMSC)