The Ateneo de Naga University – Graduate School through the MBA233 (Operations and Systems Management) class, in coordination with the Center for Local Governance conducted the Webinar entitled ‘Success Stories: Overcoming the Pandemic’ on April 30, 2022, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM via Online – ZOOM Cloud Meetings.  The activity served as the Service-Learning activity of the MBA 233 class.

It was joined by eleven (11) micro-small-medium entrepreneurs from different enterprises. Four of the business owners shared their company stories and the various strategies they have applied to survive the most challenging time brought by the pandemic. The program was opened by a meaningful message from the Dean of AdNU Graduate School, Dr. Malu C. Barcillano, followed by the introduction of the guest speakers and participants from the different institutions.

Ms. Jenel Veneracion of Jaella’s Pastries, Sunny Korean Egg Drop, and Tako Bros shared how she started with her innovations and improvements especially when the pandemic brought a different light to managing small-scale businesses. This was followed by Mr. and Mrs. Buenafe of Bicol Pasabuy who emphasized the importance of taking risks with precautions to avoid possible damages to the business. Ms. Dyan Atienza of Bucear Bicol and FatBoys Restaurant shared her inspiration and advocacy in starting her diving school and restaurant. She gave key points in considering passion and expertise in making the business successful. Ms. Danica Manalili of BoTea and Co emphasized the importance of innovations, especially during challenging times, this was followed by the story of Mr. Alec Santos of ACTO who inspired the viewers and participants to always dream big and aim high. He also shared the programs of ACTO during this pandemic such as how his office helped the informal sector in Centro, Naga to become a formal micro-business sector.

The Seminar-Service Learning Activity also focused on the various tips and guidelines from the Resource Speakers – Ms. Mitz Culvera, a digital marketing expert and co-managing manager of Adriana’s Halo-halo, and Ms. BJ de Asis, the Program Manager of Naga City PESO on Livelihood and Business Programs. Ms. Culvera shared her learnings and wisdom learned on being a blogger in the Orgulyo Kan Naga Facebook page and some operation strategies for being the owner of a business. Ms. De Asis shared the assistance that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises can avail from the Local Government of Naga and she also mentioned how her office helped the businesses in the City in this time of pandemic especially those who are considered non-essential businesses such as the spa and salon.

Two of the members of the class, Cedric Isaac and Arcci Relloso gave the synthesis of the program. Both of them gave theoretical and practical concepts related to Operations and Systems Management and relating them to the sharing of the speakers. The other seven guest entrepreneurs helped us also in giving insights during the preparation of the event and they were the following: Kristine Carilimdiliman of Rebmon and Witches Brewing; Jubilee Dela Vega of Teavengers Tea Corner;  Ian Arvin G. Ferrer of IA Ferrer Construction & Supply, Partido Construction & Supply and Think Coffee; Lovely Joy Arao of Salad Treats – Legazpi Branch; Kathleen May Brugada of Salad Treats – Naga City Branch; and Adeline Vargas Almelor of HeArt Co.

With this, the webinar showed the operation of the micro-small-medium enterprises from the perspective of overcoming the struggles and creating success stories in this time of the pandemic.

This pandemic situation brought so many challenges and difficulties, especially in the business sector. As we somehow embrace the hope for an endemic, may we be able to apply all the learnings and opportunities this state brought to us. Let us not forget the journey which eventually led us to innovations, new technologies, and new acquaintances.

To watch the replay of this webinar, please refer to this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGG-ACn2ZJE

Prepared by:
Marianne B. Loreto
Rose Mary Franz Lopo-Lara
MBA233 Class